The role of airborne particles and environmental considerations in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Longyi Shao; Shuoyi Ge; Tim Jones; M. Santosh; Luis F.O. Silva; Yaxin Cao; Marcos L.S. Oliveira; Mengyuan Zhang; Kelly BéruBé

Geoscience Frontiers (Sep 2021)

The role of airborne particles and environmental considerations in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Longyi Shao,
Shuoyi Ge,
Tim Jones,
M. Santosh,
Luis F.O. Silva,
Yaxin Cao,
Marcos L.S. Oliveira,
Mengyuan Zhang,
Kelly BéruBé

Affiliations

Longyi Shao: State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Corresponding author at: State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China.
Shuoyi Ge: State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Tim Jones: School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3YE, UK
M. Santosh: School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Department of Earth Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
Luis F.O. Silva: Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, 080002 Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia
Yaxin Cao: State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Marcos L.S. Oliveira: Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, Calle 58 #55-66, 080002 Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia; Departamento de Ingeniería Civil y Arquitectura, Universidad de Lima, Avenida Javier Prado Este 4600 – Santiago de, Surco 1503, Peru
Mengyuan Zhang: State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
Kelly BéruBé: School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, Wales, UK

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 12, no. 5
p. 101189

Abstract

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Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus, results in an acute respiratory condition coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is highly infectious. The recent spread of this virus has caused a global pandemic. Currently, the transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 are being established, especially the role of environmental transmission. Here we review the environmental transmission routes and persistence of SARS-CoV-2. Recent studies have established that the transmission of this virus may occur, amongst others, in the air, water, soil, cold-chain, biota, and surface contact. It has also been found that the survival potential of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is dependent on different environmental conditions and pollution. Potentially important pathways include aerosol and fecal matter. Particulate matter may also be a carrier for SARS-CoV-2. Since microscopic particles can be easily absorbed by humans, more attention must be focused on the dissemination of these particles. These considerations are required to evolve a theoretical platform for epidemic control and to minimize the global threat from future epidemics.

Published in Geoscience Frontiers

ISSN: 1674-9871 (Print); 2588-9192 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: Netherlands
LCC subjects: Science: Geology
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/geoscience-frontiers

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