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Eco-Environmental Aspects of COVID-19 Pandemic and Potential Control Strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Rashid Nazir

    (Department of Environmental Sciences, Abbottabad Campus, COMSATS University Islamabad, University Road, Abbottabad 22060, Pakistan)

  • Jawad Ali

    (Department of Biotechnology, Abbottabad Campus, Tobe Camp, COMSATS University Islamabad, University Road, Abbottabad 22060, Pakistan)

  • Ijaz Rasul

    (Plant Virology Section, Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan)

  • Emilie Widemann

    (Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A5B7, Canada)

  • Sarfraz Shafiq

    (Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A3K7, Canada)

Abstract

A new coronavirus-strain from a zoonotic reservoir (probably bat)—termed as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)—has recently claimed more than two million deaths worldwide. Consequently, a burst of scientific reports on epidemiology, symptoms, and diagnosis came out. However, a comprehensive understanding of eco-environmental aspects that may contribute to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread is still missing, and we therefore aim to focus here on these aspects. In addition to human–human direct SARS-CoV-2 transmission, eco-environmental sources, such as air aerosols, different public use objects, hospital wastes, livestock/pet animals, municipal wastes, ventilation facilities, soil and groundwater potentially contribute to SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Further, high temperature and humidity were found to limit the spread of COVID-19. Although the COVID-19 pandemic led to decrease air and noise pollution during the period of lockdown, increased use of masks and gloves is threatening the environment by water and soil pollutions. COVID-19 badly impacted all the socio-economic groups in different capacities, where women, slum dwellers, and the people lacking social protections are the most vulnerable. Finally, sustainable strategies, waste management, biodiversity reclaim, eco-friendly lifestyle, improved health infrastructure and public awareness, were proposed to minimize the COVID-19 impact on our society and environment. These strategies will seemingly be equally effective against any future outbreak.

Suggested Citation

  • Rashid Nazir & Jawad Ali & Ijaz Rasul & Emilie Widemann & Sarfraz Shafiq, 2021. "Eco-Environmental Aspects of COVID-19 Pandemic and Potential Control Strategies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:7:p:3488-:d:525341
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    2. Hao Yu & Xu Sun & Wei Deng Solvang & Xu Zhao, 2020. "Reverse Logistics Network Design for Effective Management of Medical Waste in Epidemic Outbreaks: Insights from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak in Wuhan (China)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-25, March.
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