Interplay of Environmental Factors in The COVID-19 Pandemic: Transmission, Dynamics and Implications

This review paper critically examines the multifaceted relationship between environmental determinants and the transmission dynamics of severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Through an extensive analysis of existing literature, it elucidates the intriguing connections between air pollution, particularly particulate matter (PM), and the incidence and severity of COVID-19 cases worldwide. Particles within the aerosol size range, known as aerosolized particles, can remain suspended in the air for extended periods and be transported over distances, thereby contributing to infection clusters in confined spaces, poorly ventilated areas, and close-contact settings. Additionally, this review investigates the influence of weather conditions, including temperature, humidity, and solar radiation, on COVID-19 spread and severity, emphasizing the complex interplay of environmental factors in viral transmission. Furthermore, the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in water sources has raised questions about waterborne transmission. Studies have detected viral RNA in wastewater (WW), rivers, and sewage, highlighting the potential for fecal-oral transmission. The review also evaluates the utility of WW-based epidemiology as a tool for early detection and surveillance of COVID-19 outbreaks, despite existing challenges in standardizing detection methods and correlating viral levels with clinical cases. Soil is also being examined as a potential reservoir and transmission medium for SARS-CoV-2. Meanwhile, studies have identified the virus in soil samples, mainly in areas with heavy contamination from infected individuals or medical waste. As a result, understanding the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 through air, water, and soil is crucial for developing effective control strategies and preventive measures.