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Nam KS, Piri A, Choi S, Jung J, Hwang J. Air sampling and simultaneous detection of airborne influenza virus via gold nanorod-based plasmonic PCR. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135180. [PMID: 39067289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Reliable and sensitive virus detection is essential to prevent airborne virus transmission. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the most compelling and effective diagnostic techniques for detecting airborne pathogens. However, most PCR diagnostics rely on thermocycling, which involves a time-consuming Peltier block heating methodology. Plasmonic PCR is based on light-driven photothermal heating of plasmonic nanostructures to address the key drawbacks of traditional PCR. This study introduces a methodology for plasmonic PCR detection of air-sampled influenza virus (H1N1). An electrostatic air sampler was used to collect the aerosolized virus in a carrier liquid for 10 min. Simultaneously, the viruses collected in the liquid were transferred to a tube containing gold (Au) nanorods (aspect ratio = 3.6). H1N1 viruses were detected in 12 min, which is the total time required for reverse transcription, fast thermocycling via plasmonic heating through gold nanorods, and in situ fluorescence detection. This methodology showed a limit of detection of three RNA copies/μL liquid for H1N1 influenza virus, which is comparable to that of commercially available PCR devices. This methodology can be used for the rapid and precise identification of pathogens on-site, while significantly reducing the time required for monitoring airborne viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang Sik Nam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Amin Piri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea; Institute of Engineering Research, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangsoo Choi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwoo Jung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungho Hwang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Loo BPY, Tsoi KH, Axhausen KW, Cao M, Lee Y, Koh KP. Spatial risk for a superspreading environment: Insights from six urban facilities in six global cities across four continents. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1128889. [PMID: 37089495 PMCID: PMC10113652 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1128889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This study sets out to provide scientific evidence on the spatial risk for the formation of a superspreading environment. Methods Focusing on six common types of urban facilities (bars, cinemas, gyms and fitness centers, places of worship, public libraries and shopping malls), it first tests whether visitors' mobility characteristics differ systematically for different types of facility and at different locations. The study collects detailed human mobility and other locational data in Chicago, Hong Kong, London, São Paulo, Seoul and Zurich. Then, considering facility agglomeration, visitors' profile and the density of the population, facilities are classified into four potential spatial risk (PSR) classes. Finally, a kernel density function is employed to derive the risk surface in each city based on the spatial risk class and nature of activities. Results Results of the human mobility analysis reflect the geographical and cultural context of various facilities, transport characteristics and people's lifestyle across cities. Consistent across the six global cities, geographical agglomeration is a risk factor for bars. For other urban facilities, the lack of agglomeration is a risk factor. Based on the spatial risk maps, some high-risk areas of superspreading are identified and discussed in each city. Discussion Integrating activity-travel patterns in risk models can help identify areas that attract highly mobile visitors and are conducive to superspreading. Based on the findings, this study proposes a place-based strategy of non-pharmaceutical interventions that balance the control of the pandemic and the daily life of the urban population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Becky P. Y. Loo
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Geography and Environment, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ka Ho Tsoi
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kay W. Axhausen
- Department of Civil, Environment and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mengqiu Cao
- School of Architecture and Cities, University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yongsung Lee
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Keumseok Peter Koh
- Department of Geography, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Mirza S, Niwalkar A, Gupta A, Gautam S, Anshul A, Bherwani H, Biniwale R, Kumar R. Is safe distance enough to prevent COVID-19? Dispersion and tracking of aerosols in various artificial ventilation conditions using OpenFOAM. GONDWANA RESEARCH : INTERNATIONAL GEOSCIENCE JOURNAL 2023; 114:40-54. [PMID: 35431597 PMCID: PMC8990448 DOI: 10.1016/j.gr.2022.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of learning more about aerosols and particles that migrate through the airways when a person sneezes, coughs and speaks. The coronavirus transmission is influenced by particle movement, which contributes to the emergence of regulations on social distance, use of masks and face shield, crowded assemblies, and daily social activity in domestic, public, and corporate areas. Understanding the transmission of aerosols under different micro-environmental conditions, closed, or ventilated, has become extremely important to regulate safe social distances. The present work attempts to simulate the airborne transmission of coronavirus-laden particles under different respiratory-related activities, i.e., coughing and speaking, using CFD modelling through OpenFOAM v8. The dispersion coupled with the Discrete Phase Method (DPM) has been simulated to develop a better understanding of virus carrier particles transmission processes and their path trailing under different ventilation scenarios. The preliminary results of this study with respect to flow fields were in close agreement with published literature, which was then extended under varied ventilation scenarios and respiratory-related activities. The study observed that improper wearing of mask leads to escape of SARS-CoV-2 containminated aerosols having a smaller aerodynamic diameter from the gap between face mask and face, infecting different surfaces in the vicinity. It was also observed that aerosol propagation infecting the area through coughing is a faster phenomenon compared to the propagation of coronavirus-laden particles during speaking. The study's findings will help decision-makers formulate common but differentiated guidelines for safe distancing under different micro-environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahid Mirza
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Amol Niwalkar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ankit Gupta
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sneha Gautam
- Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Karunya Nagar, Coimbatore 641114, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Avneesh Anshul
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hemant Bherwani
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajesh Biniwale
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
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4
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Wathore R, Rawlekar S, Anjum S, Gupta A, Bherwani H, Labhasetwar N, Kumar R. Improving performance of deep learning predictive models for COVID-19 by incorporating environmental parameters. GONDWANA RESEARCH : INTERNATIONAL GEOSCIENCE JOURNAL 2023; 114:69-77. [PMID: 35431596 PMCID: PMC8990533 DOI: 10.1016/j.gr.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has severely crippled the economy on a global scale. Effective and accurate forecasting models are essential for proper management and preparedness of the healthcare system and resources, eventually aiding in preventing the rapid spread of the disease. With the intention to provide better forecasting tools for the management of the pandemic, the current research work analyzes the effect of the inclusion of environmental parameters in the forecasting of daily COVID-19 cases. Three univariate variants of the long short-term memory (LSTM) model (basic/vanilla, stacked, and bi-directional) were employed for the prediction of daily cases in 9 cities across 3 countries with varying climatic zones (tropical, sub-tropical, and frigid), namely India (New Delhi and Nagpur), USA (Yuma and Los Angeles) and Sweden (Stockholm, Skane, Uppsala and Vastra Gotaland). The results were compared to a basic multivariate LSTM model with environmental parameters (temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH)) as additional inputs. Periods with no or minimal lockdown were chosen specifically in these cities to observe the uninhibited spread of COVID-19 and explore its dependence on daily environmental parameters. The multivariate LSTM model showed the best overall performance; the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) showed an average of 64% improvement from other univariate models upon the inclusion of the above environmental parameters. Correlation with temperature was generally positive for the cold regions and negative for the warm regions. RH showed mixed correlations, most likely driven by its temperature dependence and effect of allied local factors. The results suggest that the inclusion of environmental parameters could significantly improve the performance of LSTMs for predicting daily cases of COVID-19, although other positive and negative confounding factors can affect the forecasting power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshan Wathore
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Samyak Rawlekar
- Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dharwad, Dharwad 580 011, Karnataka, India
| | - Saima Anjum
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ankit Gupta
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Hemant Bherwani
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nitin Labhasetwar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Anusandhan Bhawan, 2 Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg, New Delhi 110001, India
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5
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Solo-Gabriele HM, Kumar S, Abelson S, Penso J, Contreras J, Babler KM, Sharkey ME, Mantero AMA, Lamar WE, Tallon JJ, Kobetz E, Solle NS, Shukla BS, Kenney RJ, Mason CE, Schürer SC, Vidovic D, Williams SL, Grills GS, Jayaweera DT, Mirsaeidi M, Kumar N. Predicting COVID-19 cases using SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air, surface swab and wastewater samples. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159188. [PMID: 36202365 PMCID: PMC9529341 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Genomic footprints of pathogens shed by infected individuals can be traced in environmental samples, which can serve as a noninvasive method of infectious disease surveillance. The research evaluates the efficacy of environmental monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in air, surface swabs and wastewater to predict COVID-19 cases. Using a prospective experimental design, air, surface swabs, and wastewater samples were collected from a college dormitory housing roughly 500 students from March to May 2021 at the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL. Students were randomly screened for COVID-19 during the study period. SARS-CoV-2 concentration in environmental samples was quantified using Volcano 2nd Generation-qPCR. Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine the associations between time-lagged SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples and COVID-19 cases. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in air, surface swab and wastewater samples on 52 (63.4 %), 40 (50.0 %) and 57 (68.6 %) days, respectively. On 19 (24 %) of 78 days SARS-CoV-2 was detected in all three sample types. COVID-19 cases were reported on 11 days during the study period and SARS-CoV-2 was also detected two days before the case diagnosis on all 11 (100 %), 9 (81.8 %) and 8 (72.7 %) days in air, surface swab and wastewater samples, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 detection in environmental samples was an indicator of the presence of local COVID-19 cases and a 3-day lead indicator for a potential outbreak at the dormitory building scale. Proactive environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 or other pathogens in multiple environmental media has potential to guide targeted measures to contain and/or mitigate infectious disease outbreaks within communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America
| | - Shelja Kumar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States of America
| | - Samantha Abelson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States of America
| | - Johnathon Penso
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States of America
| | - Julio Contreras
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States of America
| | - Kristina M Babler
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America
| | - Mark E Sharkey
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Alejandro M A Mantero
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States of America
| | - Walter E Lamar
- Facilities Safety & Compliance, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - John J Tallon
- Facilities and Operations, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America
| | - Erin Kobetz
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Natasha Schaefer Solle
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Bhavarth S Shukla
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Richard J Kenney
- Department of Housing & Residential Life, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America
| | - Christopher E Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, NY, United States of America
| | - Stephan C Schürer
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America; Institute for Data Science & Computing, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States of America; Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Dusica Vidovic
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Sion L Williams
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - George S Grills
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Dushyantha T Jayaweera
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Mehdi Mirsaeidi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep, College of Medicine-Jacksonville, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, United States of America
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, United States of America.
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6
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Gu Z, Han J, Zhang L, Wang H, Luo X, Meng X, Zhang Y, Niu X, Lan Y, Wu S, Cao J, Lichtfouse E. Unanswered questions on the airborne transmission of COVID-19. ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS 2023; 21:725-739. [PMID: 36628267 PMCID: PMC9816530 DOI: 10.1007/s10311-022-01557-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Policies and measures to control pandemics are often failing. While biological factors controlling transmission are usually well explored, little is known about the environmental drivers of transmission and infection. For instance, respiratory droplets and aerosol particles are crucial vectors for the airborne transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, the causation agent of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic (COVID-19). Once expectorated, respiratory droplets interact with atmospheric particulates that influence the viability and transmission of the novel coronavirus, yet there is little knowledge on this process or its consequences on virus transmission and infection. Here we review the effects of atmospheric particulate properties, vortex zones, and air pollution on virus survivability and transmission. We found that particle size, chemical constituents, electrostatic charges, and the moisture content of airborne particles can have notable effects on virus transmission, with higher survival generally associated with larger particles, yet some viruses are better preserved on small particles. Some chemical constituents and surface-adsorbed chemical species may damage peptide bonds in viral proteins and impair virus stability. Electrostatic charges and water content of atmospheric particulates may affect the adherence of virion particles and possibly their viability. In addition, vortex zones and human thermal plumes are major environmental factors altering the aerodynamics of buoyant particles in air, which can strongly influence the transport of airborne particles and the transmission of associated viruses. Insights into these factors may provide explanations for the widely observed positive correlations between COVID-19 infection and mortality with air pollution, of which particulate matter is a common constituent that may have a central role in the airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10311-022-01557-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaolin Gu
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Han
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- School of Water and Environment, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710064 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Wang
- Health Science Center, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xilian Luo
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangzhao Meng
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Architecture, Chang’an University, Xi’an, 710064 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyi Niu
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Lan
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaowei Wu
- School of Public Health, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 People’s Republic of China
| | - Junji Cao
- Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029 People’s Republic of China
| | - Eric Lichtfouse
- State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Flow in Power Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, 710049 Shaanxi People’s Republic of China
- CNRS, IRD, INRAE, CEREGE, Aix-Marseille University, 13100, Aix-en-Provence, France
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7
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Ghaffari HR, Farshidi H, Alipour V, Dindarloo K, Azad MH, Jamalidoust M, Madani A, Aghamolaei T, Hashemi Y, Fazlzadeh M, Fakhri Y. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the indoor air of intensive care unit (ICU) for severe COVID-19 patients and its surroundings: considering the role of environmental conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:85612-85618. [PMID: 34482469 PMCID: PMC8418690 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16010-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
There is ambiguity about the airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2. While a distance of 6 feet is considered a safe physical distance, new findings show that the virus can be transmitted more than that distance and cause infection. In hospitals, this may cause the virus to be transmitted from the treatment wards of COVID-19 patients to adjacent wards and infect medical staff, non-COVID-19 patients, and patient companions. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of coronavirus in the air of ICU and adjacent wards. The low volume sampler (LVS) with two separate inlets for PM2.5 and PM10 was applied to collect indoor air of intensive care unit (ICU) with confirmed COVID- 19 patients and its surroundings. The samples were collected on 0.3μ PTFE filter fitted to the holder. Sampling was done at flow rate of 16.7 l/min for 24 h. The SRAS-CoV-2 virus was isolated using a SinaPure™ Virus Extraction Kit (SINACLON, Iran). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 genome was assessed using a commercially available SARS-CoV-2 Test Kit (Pishtaz-Iran), according to the manufacturer's instructions using One Step plus Real-Time PCR system tool (Applied Biosystems, USA). A total of sixteen samples were taken, and the positive test rate for SRAS-CoV-2 was 12.5 % (2/16). All samples from surrounding (rest room and hallway) were negative, but two air samples from indoor of ICU (next to the patient bed and nursing station) were found to be positive. The results support the possibility of transmitting the SRAS-CoV-2 through the air at a greater distance than what is known as a safe physical distance. Therefore, in addition to maintaining a safe physical distance, other precautions including wearing a face mask, preventing air recirculation, and maximizing the use of natural ventilation should be considered, especially in crowded and enclosed environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Reza Ghaffari
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
- Food Health Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Hossein Farshidi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Vali Alipour
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Kavoos Dindarloo
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mehdi Hassani Azad
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Marzieh Jamalidoust
- Department of Virology, Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Abdolhossein Madani
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Hormozgan Health Institute, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Teamour Aghamolaei
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Yaser Hashemi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | - Mehdi Fazlzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Yadolah Fakhri
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
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8
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Tiwari A, Phan N, Tandukar S, Ashoori R, Thakali O, Mousazadesh M, Dehghani MH, Sherchan SP. Persistence and occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 in water and wastewater environments: a review of the current literature. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:85658-85668. [PMID: 34652622 PMCID: PMC8518268 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16919-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
As the world continues to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging evidence indicates that respiratory transmission may not the only pathway in which the virus can be spread. This review paper aims to summarize current knowledge surrounding possible fecal-oral transmission of SARS-CoV-2. It covers recent evidence of proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal tract, as well as presence and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in water, and suggested future directions. Research indicates that SARS-CoV-2 can actively replicate in the human gastrointestinal system and can subsequently be shed via feces. Several countries have reported SARS-CoV-2 RNA fractions in wastewater systems, and various factors such as temperature and presence of solids have been shown to affect the survival of the virus in water. The detection of RNA does not guarantee infectivity, as current methods such as RT-qPCR are not yet able to distinguish between infectious and non-infectious particles. More research is needed to determine survival time and potential infectivity, as well as to develop more accurate methods for detection and surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda Tiwari
- Expert Microbiology Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 95, 70701, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Nati Phan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | | | - Razieh Ashoori
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ocean Thakali
- University of Yamanashi, Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi, 4-3-11 400-8511, Japan
| | - Milad Mousazadesh
- Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Health, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Dehghani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Solid Waste Research, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samendra P Sherchan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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9
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Radulovic A, Miocinovic J, Radulovic Z, Rajkovic MB. Relevance of corona virus in food industry: A literature review on risks, challenges, and potential preventive measures. J Food Saf 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Radulovic
- Department of Animal Source Food Technology Faculty of Agriculture University of Belgrade Beograd Serbia
| | - Jelena Miocinovic
- Department of Animal Source Food Technology Faculty of Agriculture University of Belgrade Beograd Serbia
| | - Zorica Radulovic
- Department of Тechnological Мicrobiology Faculty of Agriculture University of Belgrade Beograd Serbia
| | - Milos B. Rajkovic
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty of Agriculture University of Belgrade Beograd Serbia
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10
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Shelemba AA, Kazachkova EA, Kononova YV, Kazachinskaya EI, Rukavishnikov MY, Kuvshinova IN, Voevoda MI, Shestopalov AM, Chepurnov AA. Cell and Organism Technologies for Assessment of the SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity in Fluid Environment. Bull Exp Biol Med 2022; 173:519-522. [PMID: 36058968 PMCID: PMC9441323 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-022-05574-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Under conditions of COVID-19 pandemic, considerable amounts of SARS-CoV-2 contained in household, municipal, and medical wastewaters inevitably reach natural water bodies. Possible preservation of virus infectivity in liquid environment is of a paramount epidemiological importance. Experiments demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 is resistant to multiple freezing/thawing cycles and retains its infectivity in tap and river water for up to 2 days at 20°C and 7 days at 4°C. In natural milk, its viability is preserved in a refrigerator for 6 days. The exposure of aquarium fish to the virus-containing water fails to cause any infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Shelemba
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E A Kazachkova
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Yu V Kononova
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - E I Kazachinskaya
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | | | - M I Voevoda
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A M Shestopalov
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A A Chepurnov
- Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia.
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11
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Tateo F, Fiorino S, Peruzzo L, Zippi M, De Biase D, Lari F, Melucci D. Effects of environmental parameters and their interactions on the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 in North Italy under different social restrictions. A new approach based on multivariate analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 210:112921. [PMID: 35150709 PMCID: PMC8828377 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.112921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In 2020 North Italy suffered the SARS-CoV-2-related pandemic with a high number of deaths and hospitalization. The effect of atmospheric parameters on the amount of hospital admissions (temperature, solar radiation, particulate matter, relative humidity and wind speed) is studied through about 8 months (May-December). Two periods are considered depending on different conditions: a) low incidence of COVID-19 and very few regulations concerning personal mobility and protection ("free/summer period"); b) increasing incidence of disease, social restrictions and use of personal protections ("confined/autumn period"). The "hospitalized people in medical area wards/100000 residents" was used as a reliable measure of COVID-19 spreading and load on the sanitary system. We developed a chemometric approach (multiple linear regression analysis) using the daily incidence of hospitalizations as a function of the single independent variables and of their products (interactions). Eight administrative domains were considered (altogether 26 million inhabitants) to account for relatively homogeneous territorial and social conditions. The obtained models very significantly match the daily variation of hospitalizations, during the two periods. Under the confined/autumn period, the effect of non-pharmacologic measures (social distances, personal protection, etc.) possibly attenuates the virus diffusion despite environmental factors. On the contrary, in the free/summer conditions the effects of atmospheric parameters are very significant through all the areas. Particulate matter matches the growth of hospitalizations in areas with low chronic particulate pollution. Fewer hospitalizations strongly correspond to higher temperature and solar radiation. Relative humidity plays the same role, but with a lesser extent. The interaction between solar radiation and high temperature is also highly significant and represents surprising evidence. The solar radiation alone and combined with high temperature exert an anti-SARS-CoV-2 effect, via both the direct inactivation of virions and the stimulation of vitamin D synthesis, improving immune system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Tateo
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IGG), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via G. Gradenigo, 6, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Sirio Fiorino
- Internal Medicine Unit, Budrio Hospital, Azienda USL, Via Benni, 44, 40054, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Peruzzo
- Institute of Geosciences and Earth Resources (IGG), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Via G. Gradenigo, 6, 35131, Padova, Italy.
| | - Maddalena Zippi
- Unit of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Sandro Pertini Hospital, Via dei Monti Tiburtini 385, 00157, Rome, Italy
| | - Dario De Biase
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Via Belmeloro 6, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Lari
- Internal Medicine Unit, Budrio Hospital, Azienda USL, Via Benni, 44, 40054, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dora Melucci
- Department of Chemistry Ciamician, University of Bologna, Via Selmi, 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Tourre YM, Paulin M, Dhonneur G, Attias D, Pathak A. COVID-19, air quality and space monitoring. GEOSPATIAL HEALTH 2022; 17. [PMID: 35385928 DOI: 10.4081/gh.2022.1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to the worldwide spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), human mobility and economic activity have slowed down considerably since early 2020. A relatively high number of those infected develop serious pneumonia leading to progressive respiratory failure, system disease and often death. Apart from close human-to-human contact, the acceleration and global diffusion of this pandemic has been shown to be associated with changes in atmospheric chemistry and air pollution by microscopic particulate matter (PM). Breathing air with high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and PM can result in over-expression of the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) leading to stress of organs, such as heart and kidneys. Satellite monitoring can play a crucial role in spatio-temporal surveillance of the disease by producing data on pollution as proxy for industrial activity, transport and traffic circulation. Real-time monitoring of COVID-19 in air and chemical pollution of the atmospheric boundary layer available from Earth-observing satellites commuting with Health Information Systems (HIS) would be useful for decision makers involved with public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves M Tourre
- Former senior scientist at Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO of Columbia University, NYC), and Engineer (Meteo-France), Toulouse.
| | - Mireille Paulin
- Program Environment, Space and Public Health, CNES, Toulouse.
| | - Gilles Dhonneur
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Curie Institute, Paris.
| | - David Attias
- Department of Pneumology, Clinique Pasteur, Toulouse.
| | - Atul Pathak
- Department of Cardiology, Princess Grace Hospital.
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13
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Guo Y, Meng J, Liu C, Chen G, Chi Y, Zheng S, Wang H. How to Deal With Vaccine Breakthrough Infection With SARS-CoV-2 Variants. Front Public Health 2022; 10:842303. [PMID: 35372196 PMCID: PMC8965021 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.842303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel Coronary Pneumonia is the most infectious disease with the highest number of morbidity and mortality in 100 years. Despite aggressive and effective COVID-19 prevention and control measures, countries have been unable to stop its outbreaks. With the widespread use of vaccines, the occurrence of COVID-19 has declined markedly. April 21, 2021, New York scholars reported Vaccine Breakthrough Infections with SARS-CoV-2 Variants, which immediately attracted widespread attention. In this mini-review, we focus on the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 and its mutant strains and vaccine breakthrough infections. We have found that outbreaks of vaccine-breaking SARS-CoV-2 Delta infections in many countries are primarily the result of declining vaccine-generated antibody titers and relaxed outbreak management measures. For this reason, we believe that the main response to vaccine-breaking infections with the SARS-CoV-2 variant is to implement a rigorous outbreak defense policy and vaccine application. Only by intensifying the current vaccination intensity, gradually improving the vaccine and its application methods, and strengthening non-pharmaceutical measures such as travel restrictions, social distancing, masking and hand hygiene, can the COVID-19 outbreak be fully controlled at an early date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Guo
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jun Meng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Caide Liu
- Department of General Practice, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Guosheng Chen
- General Practice Teaching and Research Section, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yuhua Chi
- Department of General Practice, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shiliang Zheng
- Department of General Practice, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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14
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Solo-Gabriele HM, Kumar S, Abelson S, Penso J, Contreras J, Babler KM, Sharkey ME, Mantero AMA, Lamar WE, Tallon JJ, Kobetz E, Solle NS, Shukla BS, Kenney RJ, Mason CE, Schürer SC, Vidovic D, Williams SL, Grills GS, Jayaweera DT, Mirsaeidi M, Kumar N. COVID-19 Prediction using Genomic Footprint of SARS-CoV-2 in Air, Surface Swab and Wastewater Samples. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2022.03.14.22272314. [PMID: 35313580 PMCID: PMC8936103 DOI: 10.1101/2022.03.14.22272314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Importance Genomic footprints of pathogens shed by infected individuals can be traced in environmental samples. Analysis of these samples can be employed for noninvasive surveillance of infectious diseases. Objective To evaluate the efficacy of environmental surveillance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for predicting COVID-19 cases in a college dormitory. Design Using a prospective experimental design, air, surface swabs, and wastewater samples were collected from a college dormitory from March to May 2021. Students were randomly screened for COVID-19 during the study period. SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples was concentrated with electronegative filtration and quantified using Volcano 2 nd Generation-qPCR. Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine the associations between time-lagged SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples and clinically diagnosed COVID-19 cases. Setting This study was conducted in a residential dormitory at the University of Miami, Coral Gables campus, FL, USA. The dormitory housed about 500 students. Participants Students from the dormitory were randomly screened, for COVID-19 for 2-3 days / week while entering or exiting the dormitory. Main Outcome Clinically diagnosed COVID-19 cases were of our main interest. We hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 detection in environmental samples was an indicator of the presence of local COVID-19 cases in the dormitory, and SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in the environmental samples several days prior to the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 cases. Results SARS-CoV-2 genomic footprints were detected in air, surface swab and wastewater samples on 52 (63.4%), 40 (50.0%) and 57 (68.6%) days, respectively, during the study period. On 19 (24%) of 78 days SARS-CoV-2 was detected in all three sample types. Clinically diagnosed COVID-19 cases were reported on 11 days during the study period and SARS-CoV-2 was also detected two days before the case diagnosis on all 11 (100%), 9 (81.8%) and 8 (72.7%) days in air, surface swab and wastewater samples, respectively. Conclusion Proactive environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 or other pathogens in a community/public setting has potential to guide targeted measures to contain and/or mitigate infectious disease outbreaks. Key Points Question: How effective is environmental surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in public places for early detection of COVID-19 cases in a community?Findings: All clinically confirmed COVID-19 cases were predicted with the aid of 2 day lagged SARS-CoV-2 in environmental samples in a college dormitory. However, the prediction efficiency varied by sample type: best prediction by air samples, followed by wastewater and surface swab samples. SARS-CoV-2 was also detected in these samples even on days without any reported cases of COVID-19, suggesting underreporting of COVID-19 cases.Meaning: SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in environmental samples several days prior to clinical reporting of COVID-19 cases. Thus, proactive environmental surveillance of microbiome in public places can serve as a mean for early detection of location-time specific outbreaks of infectious diseases. It can also be used for underreporting of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena M. Solo-Gabriele
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami; Coral Gables FL
| | - Shelja Kumar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL 33136
| | - Samantha Abelson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL 33136
| | - Johnathon Penso
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL 33136
| | - Julio Contreras
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL 33136
| | - Kristina M. Babler
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Miami; Coral Gables FL
| | - Mark E. Sharkey
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
| | - Alejandro M. A. Mantero
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL 33136
| | - Walter E. Lamar
- Facilities Safety & Compliance, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
| | - John J. Tallon
- Facilities and Operations, University of Miami; Coral Gables FL
| | - Erin Kobetz
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
| | - Natasha Schaefer Solle
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
| | - Bhavarth S. Shukla
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
| | - Richard J. Kenney
- Department of Housing & Residential Life, University of Miami; Coral Gables FL
| | - Christopher E. Mason
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College; New York City NY
| | - Stephan C. Schürer
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
- Institute for Data Science & Computing, University of Miami; Coral Gables FL
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
| | - Dusica Vidovic
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
| | - Sion L. Williams
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
| | - George S. Grills
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL
| | | | - Mehdi Mirsaeidi
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep, College of Medicine-Jacksonville University of Florida, Jacksonville FL
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami; Miami FL 33136
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15
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MacLachlan R, Vahedi F, Imani SM, Ashkar AA, Didar TF, Soleymani L. Pathogen-Repellent Plastic Warp with Built-In Hierarchical Structuring Prevents the Contamination of Surfaces with Coronaviruses. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:11068-11077. [PMID: 35225604 PMCID: PMC8903211 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c21476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is evident that viral spread is mediated through several different transmission pathways. Reduction of these transmission pathways is urgently needed to control the spread of viruses between infected and susceptible individuals. Herein, we report the use of pathogen-repellent plastic wraps (RepelWrap) with engineered surface structures at multiple length scales (nanoscale to microscale) as a means of reducing the indirect contact transmission of viruses through fomites. To quantify viral repellency, we developed a touch-based viral quantification assay to mimic the interaction of a contaminated human touch with a surface through the modification of traditional viral quantification methods (viral plaque and TCID50 assays). These studies demonstrate that RepelWrap reduced contamination with an enveloped DNA virus as well as the human coronavirus 229E (HuCoV-229E) by more than 4 log 10 (>99.99%) compared to a standard commercially available polyethylene plastic wrap. In addition, RepelWrap maintained its repellent properties after repeated 300 touches and did not show an accumulation in viral titer after multiple contacts with contaminated surfaces, while increases were seen on other commonly used surfaces. These findings show the potential use of repellent surfaces in reducing viral contamination on surfaces, which could, in turn, reduce the surface-based spread and transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick MacLachlan
- Department
of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Fatemeh Vahedi
- Department
of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Sara M. Imani
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Ali A. Ashkar
- Department
of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
- McMaster
Immunology Research Center, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
| | - Tohid F. Didar
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S4L7, Canada
- Michael G.
DeGroote Institute of Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Leyla Soleymani
- Department
of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7, Canada
- Michael G.
DeGroote Institute of Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada
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16
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Dzinamarira T, Murewanhema G, Iradukunda PG, Madziva R, Herrera H, Cuadros DF, Tungwarara N, Chitungo I, Musuka G. Utilization of SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Surveillance in Africa-A Rapid Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:969. [PMID: 35055789 PMCID: PMC8775514 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19020969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater-based epidemiology for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in wastewater is desirable for understanding COVID-19 in settings where financial resources and diagnostic facilities for mass individual testing are severely limited. We conducted a rapid review to map research evidence on the utilization of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance in Africa. We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, and the World Health Organization library databases for relevant reports, reviews, and primary observational studies. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Narrative synthesis of the findings from included primary studies revealed the testing methodologies utilized and that detected amount of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA correlated with the number of new cases in the studied areas. The included reviews revealed the epidemiological significance and environmental risks of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater. Wastewater surveillance data at the community level can be leveraged for the rapid assessment of emerging threats and aid pandemic preparedness. Our rapid review revealed a glaring gap in the primary literature on SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance on the continent, and accelerated and adequate investment into research is urgently needed to address this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tafadzwa Dzinamarira
- School of Health Systems & Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- ICAP at Columbia University, Harare, Zimbabwe;
| | - Grant Murewanhema
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe;
| | - Patrick Gad Iradukunda
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, London WC1E 7HU, UK;
| | - Roda Madziva
- School of Sociology and Social Policy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Helena Herrera
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2UP, UK;
| | - Diego F. Cuadros
- Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221, USA;
| | - Nigel Tungwarara
- Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, Pretoria 0002, South Africa;
| | - Itai Chitungo
- Chemical Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratory Diagnostic and Investigative Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe;
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17
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Bherwani H, Balachandran D, Das A, Kumar R. Monetary quantification of COVID-19 impacts on sustainable development goals: Focus on air pollution and climate change. COVID-19 AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS 2022. [PMCID: PMC9335064 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91307-2.00018-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 epidemic struck without warning, wreaking havoc on all aspects of society. The chapter discusses the quantification of impacts of COVID-19-induced control strategies and restricted resource consumption on sustainable development goals (SDGs), focusing on SDG-3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) and SDG-13 (Climate Action). The impacts of reduced PM2.5 emission are monitored using moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data for India (2020–21) and the reduction in the morbidity and mortality is valued using the cost of illness (COI), disability-adjusted life years (DALY), and value of statistical life (VSL). The reported reduction of CO2e emissions of about 40% during the year, in the cities, is quantified for the country and monetized using the regional values of the social cost of carbon (SCC). The chapter also lays a framework for quantifying and valuing such impacts related to other SDGs and can be used by policymakers for implementation and quantified decision-making.
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18
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Adam MG, Tran PTM, Balasubramanian R. Air quality changes in cities during the COVID-19 lockdown: A critical review. ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH 2021; 264:105823. [PMID: 34456403 PMCID: PMC8384485 DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosres.2021.105823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In response to the rapid spread of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) within and across countries and the need to protect public health, governments worldwide introduced unprecedented measures such as restricted road and air travel and reduced human mobility in 2020. The curtailment of personal travel and economic activity provided a unique opportunity for researchers to assess the interplay between anthropogenic emissions of primary air pollutants, their physical transport, chemical transformation, ultimate fate and potential health impacts. In general, reductions in the atmospheric levels of outdoor air pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were observed in many countries during the lockdowns. However, the levels of ozone (O3), a secondary air pollutant linked to asthma and respiratory ailments, and secondary PM were frequently reported to remain unchanged or even increase. An increase in O3 can enhance the formation of secondary PM2.5, especially secondary organic aerosols, through the atmospheric oxidation of VOCs. Given that the gaseous precursors of O3 (VOCs and NOx) are also involved in the formation of secondary PM2.5, an integrated control strategy should focus on reducing the emission of the common precursors for the co-mitigation of PM2.5 and O3 with an emphasis on their complex photochemical interactions. Compared to outdoor air quality, comprehensive investigations of indoor air quality (IAQ) are relatively sparse. People spend more than 80% of their time indoors with exposure to air pollutants of both outdoor and indoor origins. Consequently, an integrated assessment of exposure to air pollutants in both outdoor and indoor microenvironments is needed for effective urban air quality management and for mitigation of health risk. To provide further insights into air quality, we do a critical review of scientific articles, published from January 2020 to December 2020 across the globe. Finally, we discuss policy implications of our review in the context of global air quality improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max G Adam
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Phuong T M Tran
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
- Faculty of Environment, University of Science and Technology, The University of Danang, 54 Nguyen Luong Bang Street, Lien Chieu District, Danang City, Viet Nam
| | - Rajasekhar Balasubramanian
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
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19
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Zhao Y, Qiu Y, Mamrol N, Ren L, Li X, Shao J, Yang X, van der Bruggen B. Membrane bioreactors for hospital wastewater treatment: recent advancements in membranes and processes. Front Chem Sci Eng 2021; 16:634-660. [PMID: 34849268 PMCID: PMC8617552 DOI: 10.1007/s11705-021-2107-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Discharged hospital wastewater contains various pathogenic microorganisms, antibiotic groups, toxic organic compounds, radioactive elements, and ionic pollutants. These contaminants harm the environment and human health causing the spread of disease. Thus, effective treatment of hospital wastewater is an urgent task for sustainable development. Membranes, with controllable porous and nonporous structures, have been rapidly developed for molecular separations. In particular, membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology demonstrated high removal efficiency toward organic compounds and low waste sludge production. To further enhance the separation efficiency and achieve material recovery from hospital waste streams, novel concepts of MBRs and their applications are rapidly evolved through hybridizing novel membranes (non hydrophilic ultrafiltration/microfiltration) into the MBR units (hybrid MBRs) or the MBR as a pretreatment step and integrating other membrane processes as subsequent secondary purification step (integrated MBR-membrane systems). However, there is a lack of reviews on the latest advancement in MBR technologies for hospital wastewater treatment, and analysis on its major challenges and future trends. This review started with an overview of main pollutants in common hospital waste-water, followed by an understanding on the key performance indicators/criteria in MBR membranes (i.e., solute selectivity) and processes (e.g., fouling). Then, an in-depth analysis was provided into the recent development of hybrid MBR and integrated MBR-membrane system concepts, and applications correlated with wastewater sources, with a particular focus on hospital wastewaters. It is anticipated that this review will shed light on the knowledge gaps in the field, highlighting the potential contribution of hybrid MBRs and integrated MBR-membrane systems toward global epidemic prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yangbo Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China
| | - Natalie Mamrol
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Longfei Ren
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jiahui Shao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China
| | - Xing Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium
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20
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Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 Allows Monitoring of Variants of Concern through Wastewater. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13213018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater has shown to be an effective tool for epidemiological surveillance. More specifically, RNA levels determined with RT-qPCR have been shown to track with the infection dynamics within the population. However, the surveillance of individual lineages circulating in the population based on genomic sequencing of wastewater samples is challenging, as the genetic material constitutes a mixture of different viral haplotypes. Here, we identify specific signature mutations from individual SARS-CoV-2 lineages in wastewater samples to estimate lineages circulating in Luxembourg. We compare circulating lineages and mutations to those detected in clinical samples amongst infected individuals. We show that especially for dominant lineages, the allele frequencies of signature mutations correspond to the occurrence of particular lineages in the population. In addition, we provide evidence that regional clusters can also be discerned. We focused on the time period between November 2020 and March 2021 in which several variants of concern emerged and specifically traced the lineage B.1.1.7, which became dominant in Luxembourg during that time. During the subsequent time points, we were able to reconstruct short haplotypes, highlighting the co-occurrence of several signature mutations. Our results highlight the potential of genomic surveillance in wastewater samples based on amplicon short-read data. By extension, our work provides the basis for the early detection of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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21
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Mohamadi M, Babington-Ashaye A, Lefort A, Flahault A. Risks of Infection with SARS-CoV-2 Due to Contaminated Surfaces: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11019. [PMID: 34769538 PMCID: PMC8583529 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak is a global health concern. Understanding the transmission modes of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is key to limit the spread of the pandemic. A lack of knowledge about the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and infection through contaminated surfaces is noticeable and recent studies have stated conflicting findings. This scoping review aims to understand the risks of contaminations via fomites better. Relevant publications were selected through Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Medline, and Cochrane Library, with related keywords. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Out of the 565 articles found, exclusion criteria were applied, duplicates removed, and a total of 25 articles were finally included in the study. The included documents were assessed by the contamination risk: "low" (37.5%), "high" (16.7%), "plausible" (8.3%), "unlikely" (8.3%) risk, and "insufficient evidence" (29.2%). Research in hospital settings was found as the main setting in the reviewed papers, which precisely indicated the risk of contaminated surfaces. This scoping review underscores the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection via contaminated surfaces assessed as low in the majority of the reviewed articles. Further evaluation of the risk of the virus transmission by fomites and providing adequate information on its infectivity via contaminated surfaces in real-life conditions is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Mohamadi
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Awa Babington-Ashaye
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.M.); (A.F.)
| | - Agnès Lefort
- Service de Médecine Interne, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy and IAME, UMR1137, INSERM and Université de Paris, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Antoine Flahault
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Global Health, University of Geneva, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland; (M.M.); (A.F.)
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22
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Revilla Pacheco C, Terán Hilares R, Colina Andrade G, Mogrovejo-Valdivia A, Pacheco Tanaka DA. Emerging contaminants, SARS-COV-2 and wastewater treatment plants, new challenges to confront: A short review. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY REPORTS 2021; 15:100731. [PMID: 34124614 PMCID: PMC8183098 DOI: 10.1016/j.biteb.2021.100731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The current pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has put public health at risk, being wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) a potential tool in the detection, prevention, and treatment of present and possible future outbreaks, since this virus enters wastewater through various sources such as feces, vomit, and sputum. Thus, advanced technologies such as advanced oxidation processes (AOP), membrane technology (MT) are identified through a systematic literature review as an alternative option for the destruction and removal of emerging contaminants (drugs and personal care products) released mainly by infected patients. The objectives of this review are to know the implications that the new COVID-19 outbreak is generating and will generate in water compartments, as well as the new challenges faced by wastewater treatment plants due to the change in a load of contaminants and the solutions proposed based on the aforementioned technologies to be applied to preserve public health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Revilla Pacheco
- Laboratorio de Tecnología de Membranas, Universidad Católica de Santa María - UCSM, Urb. San José, San José S/N, Yanahuara, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Ruly Terán Hilares
- Laboratorio de Tecnología de Membranas, Universidad Católica de Santa María - UCSM, Urb. San José, San José S/N, Yanahuara, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Gilberto Colina Andrade
- Laboratorio de Tecnología de Membranas, Universidad Católica de Santa María - UCSM, Urb. San José, San José S/N, Yanahuara, Arequipa, Peru
| | - Alejandra Mogrovejo-Valdivia
- Laboratorio de Tecnología de Membranas, Universidad Católica de Santa María - UCSM, Urb. San José, San José S/N, Yanahuara, Arequipa, Peru
| | - David Alfredo Pacheco Tanaka
- Laboratorio de Tecnología de Membranas, Universidad Católica de Santa María - UCSM, Urb. San José, San José S/N, Yanahuara, Arequipa, Peru
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23
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Benkeblia N. In the landscape of SARS-CoV-2 and fresh fruits and vegetables: The fake and hidden transmission risks. J Food Saf 2021; 41:e12898. [PMID: 34219847 PMCID: PMC8236916 DOI: 10.1111/jfs.12898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
From the first notification reporting to the WHO a cluster of coronavirus in Wuhan City (China), over 114 million cases of SARS-CoV-2 have been confirmed, with more than 2,530,000 deaths, and over 400,000 new cases and 10,000 deaths daily. Numerous viruses are susceptible to contaminate crops during growth, harvesting, handling, marketing and minimally processing, and these steps share one common factor which is human. Different studies showed that viruses might persist on different crops for periods of 2 to 14 days under different conditions such as refrigeration, household and freezing. Little is known on SARS-CoV-2, but preliminary studies showed that this virus might survive 24 hr on cardboard and 72 hr on plastic, materials used in fruits and vegetables packaging. Based on preliminary data, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Certainly, to date there is no scientific evidence that SARS-CoV-2 might be transmitted by a contact with, or the ingestion of contaminated fresh or minimally processed fruits and vegetables. However, this risk even though being considered improbable, it cannot be "completely and definitely" discarded or ignored, particularly where the virus is spreading in the word. Some agencies indicated that in case some commodities and handlers are contaminated among the multiple people involved from the farm to the table, a cross-contamination may occur, and the risk of the contamination of food, food contact materials, and packaging from infected but asymptomatic workers should not be discarded even though considered "Very Low = meaning very rare but cannot be excluded."
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24
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Bherwani H, Kumar S, Musugu K, Nair M, Gautam S, Gupta A, Ho CH, Anshul A, Kumar R. Assessment and valuation of health impacts of fine particulate matter during COVID-19 lockdown: a comprehensive study of tropical and sub tropical countries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:44522-44537. [PMID: 33852112 PMCID: PMC8044290 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13813-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
A novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to challenge the whole world. The disease has claimed many fatalities as it has transcended from one country to another since it was first discovered in China in late 2019. To prevent further morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19, most of the countries initiated a countrywide lockdown. While physical distancing and lockdowns helped in curbing the spread of this novel coronavirus, it led to massive economic losses for the nations. Positive impacts have been observed due to lockdown in terms of improved air quality of the nations. In the current research, ten tropical and subtropical countries have been analysed from multiple angles, including air pollution, assessment and valuation of health impacts and economic loss of countries during COVID-19 lockdown. Countries include Brazil, India, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. Validated Simplified Aerosol Retrieval Algorithm (SARA) binning model is used on data collated from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) for particulate matters with a diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) for all the countries for the month of January to May 2019 and 2020. The concentration results of PM2.5 show that air pollution has drastically reduced in 2020 post lockdown for all countries. The highest average concentration obtained by converting aerosol optical depth (AOD) for 2020 is observed for Thailand as 121.9 μg/m3 and the lowest for Mexico as 36.27 μg/m3. As air pollution is found to decrease in the April and May months of 2020 for nearly all countries, they are compared with respective previous year values for the same duration to calculate the reduced health burden due to lockdown. The present study estimates that cumulative about 100.9 Billion US$ are saved due to reduced air pollution externalities, which are about 25% of the cumulative economic loss of 435.9 Billion US$.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemant Bherwani
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
| | - Suman Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020 India
| | - Kavya Musugu
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020 India
| | - Moorthy Nair
- Asian Development Research Institute (ADRI), Patna, Bihar 800013 India
| | - Sneha Gautam
- Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641114 India
| | - Ankit Gupta
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
| | - Chang-Hoi Ho
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
| | - Avneesh Anshul
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur, Maharashtra 440020 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002 India
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25
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Giacobbo A, Rodrigues MAS, Zoppas Ferreira J, Bernardes AM, de Pinho MN. A critical review on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in water and wastewater. What do we know? THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 774:145721. [PMID: 33610994 PMCID: PMC7870439 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak circulating the world is far from being controlled, and possible contamination routes are still being studied. There are no confirmed cases yet, but little is known about the infection possibility via contact with sewage or contaminated water as well as with aerosols generated during the pumping and treatment of these aqueous matrices. Therefore, this article presents a literature review on the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in human excreta and its pathways through the sewer system and wastewater treatment plants until it reaches the water bodies, highlighting their occurrence and infectivity in sewage and natural water. Research lines are still indicated, which we believe are important for improving the detection, quantification, and mainly the infectivity analyzes of SARS-CoV-2 and other enveloped viruses in sewage and natural water. In fact, up till now, no case of transmission via contact with sewage or contaminated water has been reported and the few studies conducted with these aqueous matrices have not detected infectious viruses. On the other hand, studies are showing that SARS-CoV-2 can remain viable, i.e., infectious, for up to 4.3 and 6 days in sewage and water, respectively, and that other species of coronavirus may remain viable in these aqueous matrices for more than one year, depending on the sample conditions. These are strong pieces of evidence that the contamination mediated by contact with sewage or contaminated water cannot be ruled out, even because other more resistant and infectious mutations of SARS-CoV-2 may appear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Giacobbo
- Post-Graduation Program in Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (PPGE3M), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, n. 9500, Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS 91509-900, Brazil; Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials (CeFEMA), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, n. 1, Lisbon 1049-001, Portugal.
| | - Marco Antônio Siqueira Rodrigues
- Post-Graduation Program in Materials Technology and Industrial Processes, Pure Sciences and Technology Institute, Feevale University, Rodovia RS-239, n. 2755, Vila Nova, Novo Hamburgo, RS 93525-075, Brazil.
| | - Jane Zoppas Ferreira
- Post-Graduation Program in Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (PPGE3M), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, n. 9500, Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS 91509-900, Brazil.
| | - Andréa Moura Bernardes
- Post-Graduation Program in Mining, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (PPGE3M), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, n. 9500, Agronomia, Porto Alegre, RS 91509-900, Brazil.
| | - Maria Norberta de Pinho
- Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials (CeFEMA), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, n. 1, Lisbon 1049-001, Portugal; Chemical Engineering Department, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, n. 1, Lisbon 1049-001, Portugal.
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26
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Ram K, Thakur RC, Singh DK, Kawamura K, Shimouchi A, Sekine Y, Nishimura H, Singh SK, Pavuluri CM, Singh RS, Tripathi SN. Why airborne transmission hasn't been conclusive in case of COVID-19? An atmospheric science perspective. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 773:145525. [PMID: 33940729 PMCID: PMC7984961 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Airborne transmission is one of the routes for the spread of COVID-19 which is caused by inhalation of smaller droplets1 containing SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., either virus-laden particulate matter: PM and/or droplet nuclei) in an indoor environment. Notably, a significant fraction of the small droplets, along with respiratory droplets, is produced by both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals during expiratory events such as breathing, sneezing, coughing and speaking. When these small droplets are exposed to the ambient environment, they may interact with PM and may remain suspended in the atmosphere even for several hours. Therefore, it is important to know the fate of these droplets and processes (e.g., physical and chemical) in the atmosphere to better understand airborne transmission. Therefore, we reviewed existing literature focussed on the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the spread of COVID-19 and present an environmental perspective on why airborne transmission hasn't been very conclusive so far. In addition, we discuss various environmental factors (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) and sampling difficulties, which affect the conclusions of the studies focussed on airborne transmission. One of the reasons for reduced emphasis on airborne transmission could be that the smaller droplets have less number of viruses as compared to larger droplets. Further, smaller droplets can evaporate faster, exposing SARS-CoV-2 within the small droplets to the environment, whose viability may further reduce. For example, these small droplets containing SARS-CoV-2 might also physically combine with or attach to pre-existing PM so that their behaviour and fate may be governed by PM composition. Thus, the measurement of their infectivity and viability is highly uncertain due to a lack of robust sampling system to separately collect virions in the atmosphere. We believe that the present review will help to minimize the gap in our understanding of the current pandemic and develop a robust epidemiological method for mortality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirpa Ram
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India.
| | - Roseline C Thakur
- Institute for Atmospheric and Earth System Research (INAR)/Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Singh
- French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)/IRCE Lyon, 2 avenue Albert Einstein, Villeurbanne 69100, France.
| | - Kimitaka Kawamura
- Chubu Institute for Advanced Studies, Chubu University, Kasugai 487-8501, Japan.
| | - Akito Shimouchi
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, Kasugai 487-8501, Japan.
| | - Yoshika Sekine
- Department of Chemistry, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 25901292, Japan.
| | - Hidekazu Nishimura
- Virus Research Center, Clinical Research Division, Sendai Medical Center, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Sunit K Singh
- Laboratory of Molecular Virology & Immunology, Molecular Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi 221005, India.
| | - Chandra Mouli Pavuluri
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - R S Singh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - S N Tripathi
- Department of Civil Engineering, Centre for Environmental Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208016, India.
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27
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Suleman S, Shukla SK, Malhotra N, Bukkitgar SD, Shetti NP, Pilloton R, Narang J, Nee Tan Y, Aminabhavi TM. Point of care detection of COVID-19: Advancement in biosensing and diagnostic methods. CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND : 1996) 2021; 414:128759. [PMID: 33551668 PMCID: PMC7847737 DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2021.128759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has created much inconvenience and fear that the virus can seriously affect humans, causing health hazards and death. This pandemic has created much worry and as per the report by World Health Organization (WHO), more than 43 million individuals in 215 countries and territories were affected. People around the world are still struggling to overcome the problems associated with this pandemic. Of all the available methods, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been widely practiced for the pandemic detection even though several diagnostic tools are available having varying accuracy and sensitivity. The method offers many advantages making it a life-saving tool, but the method has the limitation of transporting to the nearest pathology lab, thus limiting its application in resource limited settings. This has a risen a crucial need for point-of-care devices for on-site detection. In this venture, biosensors have been used, since they can be applied immediately at the point-of-care. This review will discuss about the available diagnostic methods and biosensors for COVID-19 detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shariq Suleman
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Sudheesh K Shukla
- Institute of Advanced Materials, IAAM. Gammalkilsvagen 18, 590 53, Ulrika, Sweden
| | - Nitesh Malhotra
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences (FAHS), Manav Rachana International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Shikandar D Bukkitgar
- Center for Electrochemical Science & Materials, Department of Chemistry, K.L.E. Institute of Technology, Opposite to Airport, Hubballi 580 027, India
| | - Nagaraj P Shetti
- Center for Electrochemical Science & Materials, Department of Chemistry, K.L.E. Institute of Technology, Opposite to Airport, Hubballi 580 027, India
| | - Roberto Pilloton
- Institute of Crystallography of National Research Council (IC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Jagriti Narang
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Yen Nee Tan
- Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
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28
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Chi Y, Wang Q, Chen G, Zheng S. The Long-Term Presence of SARS-CoV-2 on Cold-Chain Food Packaging Surfaces Indicates a New COVID-19 Winter Outbreak: A Mini Review. Front Public Health 2021; 9:650493. [PMID: 34095057 PMCID: PMC8173080 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.650493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly infectious virus that is transmitted primarily through droplets or by coming in close contact with an infected person. In 2020, there was a global outbreak of COVID-19, resulting in an unprecedented global burden of disease, health care costs, and had a significant economic impact. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 was detected on the outer packaging of imported cold chain items in China and has led to virus transmission events, causing great concern. This paper analyses the factors of SARS-CoV-2 survival and transmission in different places and environments, especially the characteristics of low temperatures and object surfaces. It was found that SARS-CoV-2 could survive on surfaces of cold and moist objects in the cold chain for more than 3 weeks, potentially causing COVID-19 transmission. We believe that the low-temperature environment in winter may accelerate the spread of the outbreak and new outbreaks may occur. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 transmission that is susceptible to low winter temperatures is critical for predicting winter pandemics, allowing for the appropriate action to be taken in advance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Chi
- General Practice Teaching and Research Section, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of General Practice, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Qingxiu Wang
- Department of Infection Management, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Guosheng Chen
- College of General Practice, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shiliang Zheng
- General Practice Teaching and Research Section, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of General Practice, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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29
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Anderson-Coughlin BL, Shearer AEH, Omar AN, Wommack KE, Kniel KE. Recovery of SARS-CoV-2 from Wastewater Using Centrifugal Ultrafiltration. Methods Protoc 2021; 4:mps4020032. [PMID: 34065842 PMCID: PMC8162551 DOI: 10.3390/mps4020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis and continues to impact communities as the disease spreads. Clinical testing alone provides a snapshot of infected individuals but is costly and difficult to perform logistically across whole populations. The virus which causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, is shed in human feces and urine and can be detected in human waste. SARS-CoV-2 can be shed in high concentrations (>107 genomic copies/mL) due to its ability to replicate in the gastrointestinal tract of humans through attachment to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors there. Monitoring wastewater for SARS-CoV-2, alongside clinical testing, can more accurately represent the spread of disease within a community. This protocol describes a reliable and efficacious method to recover SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, quantify genomic RNA levels, and evaluate concentration fluctuations over time. Using this protocol, viral levels as low as 10 genomic copies/mL were successfully detected from 30 mL of wastewater in more than seven-hundred samples collected between August 2020 and March 2021. Through the adaptation of traditional enteric virus methods used in food safety research, targets have been reliably detected with no inhibition of detection (RT-qPCR) observed in any sample processed. This protocol is currently used for surveillance of wastewater systems across New Castle County, Delaware.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brienna L. Anderson-Coughlin
- Center for Environmental and Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Research, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (B.L.A.-C.); (A.E.H.S.); (A.N.O.)
| | - Adrienne E. H. Shearer
- Center for Environmental and Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Research, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (B.L.A.-C.); (A.E.H.S.); (A.N.O.)
| | - Alexis N. Omar
- Center for Environmental and Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Research, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (B.L.A.-C.); (A.E.H.S.); (A.N.O.)
| | - K. Eric Wommack
- Center for Environmental and Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Research, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA;
| | - Kalmia E. Kniel
- Center for Environmental and Wastewater-Based Epidemiological Research, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; (B.L.A.-C.); (A.E.H.S.); (A.N.O.)
- Correspondence:
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30
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Giovannini G, Haick H, Garoli D. Detecting COVID-19 from Breath: A Game Changer for a Big Challenge. ACS Sens 2021; 6:1408-1417. [PMID: 33825440 PMCID: PMC8043202 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.1c00312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is probably the most commonly heard word of the last 12 months. The outbreak of this virus (SARS-CoV-2) is strongly compromising worldwide healthcare systems, social behavior, and everyone's lives. The early diagnosis of COVID-19 and isolation of positive cases has proven to be fundamental in containing the spread of the infection. Even though the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based methods remain the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 detection, the urgent demand for rapid and wide-scale diagnosis precipitated the development of alternative diagnostic approaches. The millions of tests performed every day worldwide are still insufficient to achieve the desired goal, that of screening the population during daily life. Probably the most appealing approach to consistently monitor COVID-19 spread is the direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 from exhaled breath. For instance, the challenging incorporation of reliable, highly sensitive, and cost-efficient detection methods in masks could represent a breakthrough in the development of portable and noninvasive point-of-care diagnosis for COVID-19. In this perspective paper, we discuss the critical technical aspects related to the application of breath analysis in the diagnosis of viral infection. We believe that, if achieved, it could represent a game-changer in containing the pandemic spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Giovannini
- Empa,
Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Laboratory for Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Hossam Haick
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering
& The Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute (RBNI) Technion
− Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000003, Israel
| | - Denis Garoli
- Istituto
Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, I-16163, Genova, Italy
- Faculty
of Science and Technology, Free University
of Bozen, Piazza Università
5, 39100 Bolzano, Italy
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31
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Versaci F, Gaspardone A, Danesi A, Ferranti F, Mancone M, Mariano E, Rotolo FL, Musto C, Proietti I, Berni A, Trani C, Sergi SC, Speciale G, Tanzilli G, Tomai F, Di Giosa A, Marchegiani G, Romagnoli E, Cavarretta E, Carnevale R, Frati G, Biondi-Zoccai G. Interplay between COVID-19, pollution, and weather features on changes in the incidence of acute coronary syndromes in early 2020. Int J Cardiol 2021; 329:251-259. [PMID: 33387558 PMCID: PMC7833791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2020.12.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused an unprecedented change in the apparent epidemiology of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, the interplay between this disease, changes in pollution, climate, and aversion to activation of emergency medical services represents a challenging conundrum. We aimed at appraising the impact of COVID-19, weather, and environment features on the occurrence of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in a large Italian region and metropolitan area. METHODS AND RESULTS Italy was hit early on by COVID-19, such that state of emergency was declared on January 31, 2020, and national lockdown implemented on March 9, 2020, mainly because the accrual of cases in Northern Italy. In order to appraise the independent contribution on changes in STEMI and NSTEMI daily rates of COVID-19, climate and pollution, we collected data on these clinical events from tertiary care cardiovascular centers in the Lazio region and Rome metropolitan area. Multilevel Poisson modeling was used to appraise unadjusted and adjusted effect estimates for the daily incidence of STEMI and NSTEMI cases. The sample included 1448 STEMI and 2040 NSTEMI, with a total of 2882 PCI spanning 6 months. Significant reductions in STEMI and NSTEMI were evident already in early February 2020 (all p<0.05), concomitantly with COVID-19 spread and institution of national countermeasures. Changes in STEMI and NSTEMI were inversely associated with daily COVID-19 tests, cases, and/or death (p<0.05). In addition, STEMI and NSTEMI incidences were associated with daily NO2, PM10, and O3 concentrations, as well as temperature (p<0.05). Multi-stage and multiply adjusted models highlighted that reductions in STEMI were significantly associated with COVID-19 data (p<0.001), whereas changes in NSTEMI were significantly associated with both NO2 and COVID-19 data (both p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Reductions in STEMI and NSTEMI in the COVID-19 pandemic may depend on different concomitant epidemiologic and pathophysiologic mechanisms. In particular, recent changes in STEMI may depend on COVID-19 scare, leading to excess all-cause mortality, or effective reduced incidence, whereas reductions in NSTEMI may also be due to beneficial reductions in NO2 emissions in the lockdown phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Versaci
- UOC UTIC, Emodinamica e Cardiologia, Ospedale S. Maria Goretti, Latina, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Ferranti
- Division of Cardiology, G. B. Grassi Hospital, Lido di Ostia, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Mancone
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco L Rotolo
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Musto
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, San Camillo Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Igino Proietti
- Division of Cardiology, M. G. Vannini Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Berni
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Trani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Gaetano Tanzilli
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Enrico Romagnoli
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Cavarretta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy; Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Napoli, Italy
| | - Roberto Carnevale
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy; Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giacomo Frati
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy; IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biondi-Zoccai
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy; Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Napoli, Italy.
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32
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Ihsanullah I, Bilal M, Naushad M. Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in water environments: Current status, challenges and research opportunities. JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING 2021; 39:101735. [PMID: 38620601 PMCID: PMC7566827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jwpe.2020.101735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has posed enormous health, social, environmental and economic challenges to the entire human population. Nevertheless, it provides an opportunity for extensive research in various fields to evaluate the fate of the crisis and combat it. The apparent need for imperative research in the biological and medical field is the focus of researchers and scientists worldwide. However, there are some new challenges and research opportunities in the field of water and wastewater treatment concerning the novel coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This article briefly summarizes the latest literature reporting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in water and wastewater/sewage. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges, potential opportunities and research directions in the water and wastewater treatment field. Some of the significant challenges and research opportunities are the development of standard techniques for the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in the water phase, assessment of favorable environments for its survival and decay in water; and development of effective strategies for elimination of the novel virus from water. Advancement in research in this domain will help to protect the environment, human health, and managing this type of pandemic in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ihsanullah Ihsanullah
- Center for Environment and Water, Research Institute, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, 223003, China
| | - Mu Naushad
- Advanced Materials Research Chair, Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
- Yonsei Frontier Lab, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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33
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Guha S, Herman A, Carr IA, Porter D, Natu R, Berman S, Myers MR. Comprehensive characterization of protective face coverings made from household fabrics. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0244626. [PMID: 33439878 PMCID: PMC7806137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Face coverings constitute an important strategy for containing pandemics, such as COVID-19. Infection from airborne respiratory viruses including Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can occur in at least three modes; tiny and/or dried aerosols (typically < 1.0 μm) generated through multiple mechanisms including talking, breathing, singing, large droplets (> 0.5 μm) generated during coughing and sneezing, and macro drops transmitted via fomites. While there is a growing number of studies looking at the performance of household materials against some of these situations, to date, there has not been any systematic characterization of household materials against all three modes. METHODS A three-step methodology was developed and used to characterize the performance of 21 different household materials with various material compositions (e.g. cotton, polyester, polypropylene, cellulose and blends) using submicron sodium chloride aerosols, water droplets, and mucous mimicking macro droplets over an aerosol-droplet size range of ~ 20 nm to 0.6 cm. RESULTS Except for one thousand-thread-count cotton, most single-layered materials had filtration efficiencies < 20% for sub-micron solid aerosols. However, several of these materials stopped > 80% of larger droplets, even at sneeze-velocities of up to 1700 cm/s. Three or four layers of the same material, or combination materials, would be required to stop macro droplets from permeating out or into the face covering. Such materials can also be boiled for reuse. CONCLUSION Four layers of loosely knit or woven fabrics independent of the composition (e.g. cotton, polyester, nylon or blends) are likely to be effective source controls. One layer of tightly woven fabrics combined with multiple layers of loosely knit or woven fabrics in addition to being source controls can have sub-micron filtration efficiencies > 40% and may offer some protection to the wearer. However, the pressure drop across such fabrics can be high (> 100 Pa).
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvajyoti Guha
- Division of Applied Mechanics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Alexander Herman
- Division of Applied Mechanics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Ian A. Carr
- Division of Applied Mechanics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Daniel Porter
- Division of Applied Mechanics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Rucha Natu
- Division of Applied Mechanics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Shayna Berman
- Division of Applied Mechanics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
| | - Matthew R. Myers
- Division of Applied Mechanics, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, United States Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States of America
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34
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Tang L, Liu M, Ren B, Wu Z, Yu X, Peng C, Tian J. Sunlight ultraviolet radiation dose is negatively correlated with the percent positive of SARS-CoV-2 and four other common human coronaviruses in the U.S. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 751:141816. [PMID: 32861186 PMCID: PMC7437529 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Human coronaviruses are RNA viruses that are sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunlight contains UVA (320-400 nm), UVB (260-320 nm) and UVC (200-260 nm) action spectra. UVC can inactivate coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The incidence and mortality of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are considered to be correlated with vitamin D levels. Vitamin D synthesis in human skin is closely related to exposure to UVB radiation. Therefore, the incidence and mortality of COVID-19 are also considered to be correlated with Vitamin D levels. In this study, Spearman and Kendall rank correlation analysis tests were used to analyze the correlation between the average percent positive of five human coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2, CoVHKU1, CoVNL63, CoVOC43, and CoV229E) in the U.S. and the corresponding sunlight UV radiation dose The results indicated that the monthly average percent positive of four common coronaviruses was significantly negatively correlated with the sunlight UV radiation dose. The weekly percent positive of SARS-CoV-2 during April 17, 2020 to July 10, 2020 showed a significant negative correlation with the sunlight UV radiation dose in census regions 1 and 2 of the U.S. while no statistical significance in the other regions. Additionally, sunlight UV radiation also showed some negative effects with respect to the early SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Tang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Min Liu
- Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong, China; Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Bingyu Ren
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zongting Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Plant Epigenetics, College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China; Department of Physics, College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xunci Yu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Microbial Genetic Engineering, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Chen Peng
- Shenzhen Engineering Laboratory for Marine Algal Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jing Tian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology and Ecology, College of Life Sciences and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China.
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Kumar H, Azad A, Gupta A, Sharma J, Bherwani H, Labhsetwar NK, Kumar R. COVID-19 Creating another problem? Sustainable solution for PPE disposal through LCA approach. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2021; 23:9418-9432. [PMID: 33071605 PMCID: PMC7546389 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-01033-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Amid COVID-19, there have been rampant increase in the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits by frontline health and sanitation communities, to reduce the likelihoods of infections. The used PPE kits, potentially being infectious, pose a threat to human health, terrestrial, and marine ecosystems, if not scientifically handled and disposed. However, with stressed resources on treatment facilities and lack of training to the health and sanitation workers, it becomes vital to vet different options for PPE kits disposal, to promote environmentally sound management of waste. Given the various technology options available for treatment and disposal of COVID-19 patients waste, Life Cycle Assessment, i.e., cradle to grave analysis of PPE provides essential guidance in identifying the environmentally sound alternatives. In the present work, Life Cycle Assessment of PPE kits has been performed using GaBi version 8.7 under two disposal scenarios, namely landfill and incineration (both centralized and decentralized) for six environmental impact categories covering overall impacts on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, which includes Global Warming Potential (GWP), Human Toxicity Potential (HTP), Eutrophication Potential (EP), Acidification Potential (AP), Freshwater Aquatic Ecotoxicity Potential (FAETP) and Photochemical Ozone Depletion Potential (POCP). Considering the inventories of PPE kits, disposal of PPE bodysuit has the maximum impact, followed by gloves and goggles, in terms of GWP. The use of metal strips in face-mask has shown the most significant HTP impact. The incineration process (centralized-3816 kg CO2 eq. and decentralized-3813 kg CO2 eq.) showed high GWP but significantly reduced impact w.r.t. AP, EP, FAETP, POCP and HTP, when compared to disposal in a landfill, resulting in the high overall impact of landfill disposal compared to incineration. The decentralized incineration has emerged as environmentally sound management option compared to centralized incinerator among all the impact categories, also the environmental impact by transportation is significant (2.76 kg CO2 eq.) and cannot be neglected for long-distance transportation. Present findings can help the regulatory authority to delineate action steps for safe disposal of PPE kits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harender Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440 020 India
| | - Amaanuddin Azad
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440 020 India
| | - Ankit Gupta
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440 020 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research [AcSIR], Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201 002 India
| | - Jitendra Sharma
- United Nations Environment Programme, New Delhi, 110 003 India
| | - Hemant Bherwani
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440 020 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research [AcSIR], Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201 002 India
| | - Nitin Kumar Labhsetwar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440 020 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research [AcSIR], Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201 002 India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440 020 India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research [AcSIR], Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201 002 India
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Changotra R, Rajput H, Rajput P, Gautam S, Arora AS. Largest democracy in the world crippled by COVID-19: current perspective and experience from India. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2020; 23:6623-6641. [PMID: 32904548 PMCID: PMC7456788 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-00963-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of novel and recent coronavirus disease 2019, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, has made an emergency throughout the world. In India, the outspread of the pandemic was observed on 3 March 2020, and after that exponential growth in the cases was observed in the country. Owing to the widespread transmission, high population density, high testing capacity and ineffective treatment, a continuous rise in cases was observed due to the pandemic in India. In this paper, we have discussed the trend and spread of COVID-19 spread in India with time, history of initial confirmed cases, the impact of phased manner lockdown, age- and gender-wise trend of cases and comparison of cases with the other most affected countries. The study uses exploratory data analysis to describe the current situation of COVID-19 cases in India till 16 August 2020, with the help of data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India (GOI) and the World Health Organization (WHO). As of August 16, the total number of confirmed cases in India crossed 2.5 million marks with over 50,000 causalities. With more patients recovering and being discharged from hospitals and home isolation (in case of mild and moderate cases), the total recoveries have crossed the 1.8 million mark with a recovery rate of more than 70% and case fatality rate of 1.94% which is maintained below the global average and is on a continuous positive slide. The study also enlightens the preventive and stringent measures taken by India to combat the COVID-19 situation along with the future prospects. The GOI is following its proactive and preemptive approach for management, prevention and containment of COVID-19 in collaboration with the WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahil Changotra
- School of Energy and Environment, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, 147004 India
| | - Himadri Rajput
- School of Energy and Environment, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, 147004 India
| | - Prachi Rajput
- Central Scientific Instruments Organization, Sector 30C, Chandigarh, 160030 India
| | - Sneha Gautam
- Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, 641114 Tamil Nadu India
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