Dealing with the SARS-CoV-۲ virus in wastewater as a secondary largest source

Introduction: The coronavirus (Covid-۱۹) first appeared in China in December ۲۰۱۹ and quickly became a global pandemic. Coronaviruses are members of the coronavirus viral family and have a single-stranded RNA genome. Although the main route of corona transmission is through the air and inhalation of respiratory droplets containing the virus, but there are other unknown routes. There is a possibility of existence coronavirus in the urine and feces of infected people .Fecal-oral transmission has been recently highlighted by Yeo et al. Recent studies have shown that the duration of virus detection in feces is ۲۲ days. There are more than ۱۰۰ types of pathogenic viruses of human and animal origin in municipal wastewater. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an important tool for tracking the prevalence and genetic diversity and geographical distribution of viruses. Given that we know that municipal wastewater can be a source of spread of corona virus, it is necessary to remove it with different treatment methods, therefore the data can be used for wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE).Search Method: In our study, keywords”SARS-coV-۲, wastewater, wastewater-based-epidemiology (WBE)” were searched in database “PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct” without any time limitation, finally, the most relevant articles were selected and examined.Results: Researches have shown that coronavirus RNA can be detected in municipal wastewater samples. Hospital waste containing the virus can contaminate the sewage system. Treatment of hospital wastewater at the source of production before entering drainage systems can be a good way to prevent virus transmission. Biosensor-based techniques for detecting microorganisms in wastewater are an emerging research field. This method allows rapid detection of microbial contaminants, while traditional methods may take days. The use of biosensors in wastewater monitoring has higher sensitivity and measurement reliability. Existing treatment methods require performance innovation. Existing treatment systems include physical, biological and chemical processes, of which ultrafiltration is the most practical physical process. Advanced methods such as anaerobic treatment, microbial fuel cells and microbial electrolysis cells should also be considered. To increase the efficiency of treatment systems, we can use biotechnological tools, the development of a combination of modern and traditional treatment systems can significantly increase performance.Conclusion: Recent research suggests that municipal wastewater monitoring may be a warning sign for people with coronavirus who have mild or no symptoms. The spread of the virus through water and wastewater, especially in countries with poor health, has recently received attention. In addition, the survival of the virus at low temperatures in treatment plants needs to be considered. Current knowledge is scarce because it was believed that coated viruses could not survive in water for long. Therefore, more researches is needed on the efficiency of treatment plants and reducing the viral load of wastewater.

Keywords:

SARS-CoV-۲ , Wastewater , Treatment , WBE , Coronavirus