Considerations on water quality and the use of chlorine in times of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic in the community

Abstract

This review goal is to reflect on the challenges and prospects for water quality in the face of the pandemic caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19). Based on the information available so far, the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater has raised interest in using it as an early warning method, to detect the resurgence of infections and to report the risk associated with contracting SARS-CoV-2 in contact with untreated water or inadequately treated wastewater is discharged. The wastewater-based epidemiological approach can be used as an early indicator of infection within a specific population. On the other hand, it is necessary to collect information from the managers of drinking water supply companies and professionals who are related to water quality, to know SARS-CoV-2 data and information, and its influence on drinking water quality. The basic purpose of this review article is to try to provide a valuable and quick reference guide to COVID-19. Important topics were discussed, such as detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in various parts of the world; wastewater screening to monitor COVID-19; persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in aquatic systems; the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in drinking water; clean water as a mechanism to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic; chlorine as a disinfectant to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 and damage to ecosystems by the use of chlorine. Currently does not exist extensive literature on the effectiveness of water and wastewater treatment processes that ensure the correct elimination of SARS-CoV-2. Excessive use of disinfectants such as chlorine is causing effects on the environment. This document highlights the need for further research to establish the behavior of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in aquatic systems. This study presents an early overview of the observed and potential impacts of COVID-19 on the environment.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its implications on the environment

“…On the other hand, another important feature of COVID-19 pandemic is related to the massive use of disinfectants to counteract the viral transmission. Among these compounds, an extensive analysis of the potential impact on water quality and ecosystem health by the use of chlorine (NaClO) as the cheapest tool to avoid viral transmission, has been reported by García-Avila et al (2020) . These Authors have underlined that in the environment chlorine is transformed into highly dangerous compounds (i.e.…”

Modeling of residual chlorine in a drinking water network in times of pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

“…The health emergency caused by COVID-19 has shown the importance of disinfection in the treatment of drinking water, so it is necessary to maintain the optimal dose of residual chlorine in the DWDN to protect public health. There is no evidence to date on the survival of the virus in drinking water, it is likely that the virus in contact with chlorine is inactivated significantly faster than enteric viruses [ 28 ].…”

Co-occurring indicator pathogens for SARS-CoV-2: A review with emphasis on exposure rates and treatment technologies

“… Areas/Sectors Impact on the environment Findings References Air quality Positive Reduction of PM2.5, PM10, NO 2 , and CO concentrations were reduced during the lockdown. [ 72 ] Negative O 3 concentrations increased by around 50% Surface water Negative The existence of almost all enteric viruses, result in surface water contamination [ 73 ] Negative Detection of disinfection by products due to excessive disinfectant use [ 49 , 74 , 75 ] Groundwater Positive Reduction of As, Se, Pb, and Fe in industrial waste during COVID-19 lockdown. [ 76 ] NO 3 and coliform reduced due to the closure of industrial activities including fisheries.…”

“…However, there have been confounding results with animal wastes, as seen in a study in abattoirs [ 47 ]. crAsphage is found to be quite specific to humans; although there are few cases of cross-reactivity with dogs, gulls, poultry, pigs, and bovine feces [ 48 , 49 ], it is in many orders of magnitude less than human sources.…”