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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Remediation Sign in to save

Sorption of SARS-CoV-2 Virus Particles to the Surface of Microplastics Released during Washing Processes

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021 11 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
Noemi Belišová, Barbora Konečná, Nikoleta Bachratá, Jozef Ryba, Alena Potočárová, Michal Tamáš, Anh Le Phuong, Ondrej Púček, Juraj Kopáček, Tomáš Mackuľak, Tomáš Mackuľak

Summary

This study found that SARS-CoV-2 virus particles can attach to microfibers shed from washing synthetic textiles, raising the possibility that plastic microfibers in wastewater could carry viral particles. The findings highlight an understudied intersection between microplastic pollution and pathogen transmission in sewage systems.

Study Type Environmental

The research aims at washing processes as possible sources of microplastics, specifical microfibers in wastewater, and the behavior of the virus particles SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater after the washing process as well as their ability to sorb to the surface of microfibers, released from washing processes. The conclusions of the research point to the ability of the virus to attach to possible solid impurities such as textile fibers (microfibers) occurring in the sewer and to the ability of wash water to influence their possible occurrence in the sewer. The highest efficiency (more than 99%) of removal virus particles was after washing process, using liquid washing powder, and washing soda. These findings may gradually contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of the virus particles in the sewer.

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