Title: Environmental pollution from COVID-19 generated wastes result in widespread recycling of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Authors: Efosa Bolaji Odigie; Osaze Blessing Airiagbonbu; Joyce Osarogie Odigie; Adiru Afolabi Adegboye

Addresses: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Nigeria ' Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Nigeria ' Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Benin, Nigeria; Martlet Environmental Research Laboratory Limited, Benin City, Nigeria ' Department of Medical Laboratory Science, University of Benin, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

Abstract: Wastes generated in the face of COVID-19 pose enormous risks to the environment and heath. Environmental pollution from deficiencies in disposal patterns of hospital wastes may result in widespread recycling of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This paper aimed at creating awareness of the impact of inaptly disposed medical wastes on the environment; produced from managing COVID-19 leading to SARS-CoV-2 widespread recycling. Assemblage of recent and suitable literatures relating to keywords like waste disposal, medical wastes, coronavirus, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 and environmental pollution were revised/reviewed. Data suggest that factors like reduced awareness, negligence, ignorance, lack of polices among others are the chief influences contributing to improper medical wastes collection, disposal and management leading to environmental hazards. Therefore, improper disposal of medical wastes can lead to toxic environmental pollution thereby recycling SARS-CoV-2 in the face of COVID-19 management. Hence, incineration after prior disinfection remains the best management option in the prevailing coronavirus era.

Keywords: coronavirus; COVID-19 generated wastes; COVID-19 pandemic; environmental pollution/hazards; medical/hospital wastes; SARS-CoV-2 infection.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2022.128140

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2022 Vol.30 No.1, pp.1 - 13

Received: 04 May 2020
Accepted: 17 Jun 2020
Published online: 06 Jan 2023 *

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