This short literature review explores the level of risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occupational transmissions in wastewater treatment plant (WTP) workers. Three main databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and ProQuest) were searched to explore the level of infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, risk factors of transmissibility of the virus in wastewater, and reported cases for occupational transmission in WTP workers. The results show that SARSCoV-2 can be shed in the feces of individuals with COVID-19, making its way to wastewater treatment plants (WTP). Multiple potential risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission from wastewater to sewage workers have been postulated based in previous studies. However, no case report of occupational transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to wastewater workers was found, and studies suggest that the presence of the virus or its particles is not necessarily indicative of infectivity. Further research is warranted to reliably estimate the occupational risk to WTP workers and identify preventive measures.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.