“…Due to the disease pandemic, a total of 1,963.58 t of disinfectants were used in sewage systems in Wuhan, China from 29 January to 18 February 2020 [ 49 ]. The overuse of antiseptics and disinfectants with corrosive chemical compounds for the COVID-19 control could not only pose great threat to the urban environment [ 50 ] and ecosystems [ 51 ] but also lead to massive energy waste.…”
Section: The Increased Energy Consumption Of Disinfection Alternativementioning
The still escalating COVID-19 pandemic also has a substantial impact on energy structure, requirements and related emissions. The consumption is unavoidable and receives a lower priority in the critical situation. However, as the pandemic continues, the impacts on energy and environment should be assessed and possibly reduced. This study aims to provide an overview of invested energy sources and environmental footprints in fighting the COVID-19. The required energy and resources consumption of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and testing kits have been discussed. The protecting efficiency returned on environmental footprint invested for masks has been further explored. The main observation pinpointed is that with a proper design standard, material selection and user guideline, reusable PPE could be an effective option with lower energy consumption/environmental footprint. Additional escalated energy consumption for aseptic and disinfection has been assessed. This includes the energy stemming from emergency and later managed supply chains. The outcomes emphasised that diversifying solutions to achieve the needed objective is a vital strategy to improve the susceptibility and provide higher flexibility in minimising the environmental footprints. However, more comprehensive research proof for the alternative solution (e.g. reusable option) towards low energy consumption without compromise on the effectiveness should be offered and advocated.
“…Due to the disease pandemic, a total of 1,963.58 t of disinfectants were used in sewage systems in Wuhan, China from 29 January to 18 February 2020 [ 49 ]. The overuse of antiseptics and disinfectants with corrosive chemical compounds for the COVID-19 control could not only pose great threat to the urban environment [ 50 ] and ecosystems [ 51 ] but also lead to massive energy waste.…”
Section: The Increased Energy Consumption Of Disinfection Alternativementioning
The still escalating COVID-19 pandemic also has a substantial impact on energy structure, requirements and related emissions. The consumption is unavoidable and receives a lower priority in the critical situation. However, as the pandemic continues, the impacts on energy and environment should be assessed and possibly reduced. This study aims to provide an overview of invested energy sources and environmental footprints in fighting the COVID-19. The required energy and resources consumption of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and testing kits have been discussed. The protecting efficiency returned on environmental footprint invested for masks has been further explored. The main observation pinpointed is that with a proper design standard, material selection and user guideline, reusable PPE could be an effective option with lower energy consumption/environmental footprint. Additional escalated energy consumption for aseptic and disinfection has been assessed. This includes the energy stemming from emergency and later managed supply chains. The outcomes emphasised that diversifying solutions to achieve the needed objective is a vital strategy to improve the susceptibility and provide higher flexibility in minimising the environmental footprints. However, more comprehensive research proof for the alternative solution (e.g. reusable option) towards low energy consumption without compromise on the effectiveness should be offered and advocated.
“…Khan et al, 2020 , Khan et al, 2020 , Kumar et al, 2020 , La Rosa et al, 2020 , Liu et al, 2020 , Luan et al, 2020 , Nabi et al, 2020 , Setti et al, 2020 , Wang et al, 2005 Khan et al, 2020, .…”
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, researchers have tried to characterise the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 to better understand the pathogenic mechanisms of the virus and prevent further dissemination. As a consequence, there has been a bloom in scientific research papers focused on the behaviour of the virus in different environmental contexts. Nevertheless, despite these efforts and due to its novelty, available information about this coronavirus is limited, as several research studies are still ongoing. This review aims to shed light on this issue. To that end, we have examined the scientific literature to date regarding the viability of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and fluids or under different environmental conditions (temperature, precipitation and UV radiation). We have also addressed the role of animals in the transmission of this coronavirus.
“…The alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not only associated with some health issues, but it may also result in adverse impacts on the environment [ 122 , 123 ]. A recent study highlighted that the extensive use of disinfectants poses a significant threat to urban wildlife [ 124 ]. These disinfectants may find their ways to reach water bodies and pollute them.…”
Section: Research Opportunities and Challengesmentioning
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