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(The Gist of Science Reporter) Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater

(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater

Figure 1: Possible strategy to minimize community spreading of COVID-19 through faecal-oral transmission

Investigation of the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater showed positive results in various studies.
The presence of SARS-CoV-2 fragments in wastewater is a great matter of concern for India also.
As only 37.18% of the total wastewater generated gets treated while remaining is released in various surface water bodies.
Prior research reveals that the human coronavirus can remain infectious for several days in sewage.
Viral contaminated water is a potential source of aerosolization of the virus and direct human exposure.

Developing countries like India require to adapt environmental surveillance like WasteWater-based Epidemiology tools to tackle such conditions.
The viral load in wastewater would increase with an increasing number of cases in India.
India's inability to treat the whole wastewater generated through common wastewater treatment facility centres is a major cause of concern to decide the further extent of the disease.
Drainage, sewer systems, etc. exposed directly in the immediate atmosphere at various regions increase the chances of the spread of the disease through improper defecation systems.
All the common Wastewater Treatment Facilities (WWTP) need regular monitoring; also the current procedure needs to be revisited for complete removal of SARS-CoV-2 fragments.

To limit the spread of the disease is Environmental Surveillance through Wastewater Based Epidemiology (WBE) at the State level.
It could perform the function of a preliminary indicator to predict the next surge of COVID-19 pandemic.
Decision-makers and policy framers require to revise policy guidelines to ensure that wastewater is treated as per the demand of the COVID-19 situation.
Safety measures for the home quarantined, quarantine centre individuals, etc. need to be devised. Sanitation workers and wastewater treatment facility staff should be provided with proper personal protection equipment (PPE).
Integration of fecal/stool testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA is crucial for informing the precautions necessary to prevent transmission in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.