What Do We Know About the Impacts of Novel Coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) on Freshwater Ecosystems?

Abstract

Epidemiological alterations in COVID-19 infection monitored for a long term the potential pathways of contagion, as well as the adaptation, evolution, and virus spread among humans and possible intermediate zoonotic hosts and reservoirs. In the present review, widespread transmission routes and pressures on water resources and freshwater ecosystems under the threat of COVID-19 with high mutation rate were evaluated. The climatic structure, aquatic ecosystem, water consumption, and wastewater ABSTRACT The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), which has numerous effects in the world, has crucial importance for water resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an unpredictable impact on worldwide societies and the economies. On the other hand, lockdown and isolation implemented due to pandemic have decreased environmental damage such as air pollution and gas emissions. However, its unexpected effect was the increase of plastic pollution, medical waste, and wastewater as well as the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in aquatic ecosystem. The present study discussed the potential of the COVID-19 on freshwater ecosystems contaminated by wastewater discharge. The effects of climate change and the use of contaminated waters on spread of COVID-19 were addressed and the related situation in Turkey was discussed.