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Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and Airborne Microplastics
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Researchers examined the potential relationship between airborne microplastics and SARS-CoV-2 transmission, noting that the virus can survive on plastic surfaces for up to five days and in aerosol for up to three hours, raising questions about whether microplastic particles could serve as vectors for viral spread.
Of current concern to global health is the emergence of a novel human coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causing severe respiratory tract infections in humans. Person to person and surface contact have been fingered as the major transmission route of SARS-CoV-2. The ability of virus to survive in the environment is a critical factor in viral transmission. Recent researches have shown that the virus can survive on surface of plastics up to 5 days under room temperature and in aerosol for up to 3 hours. Therefore this research opinion proposes that SARS-CoV-2 can be accommodated in formed viral biofilms on microplastics surfaces and can thus be deposited over longer distances (> 100 km), than is currently being thought to be, since microplastics are airborne over long distances. This pathway should be studied by scientist as it may provide insight on why some region experienced the outbreak with no trace/history of visit or contact by an infected person. As there are currently no specific therapies for SARS-CoV-2, we therefore proposed that total lockdown (which have also reduced global anthropogenic activities) is perhaps in the best interest of mankind.
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Airborne Microplastics from Waste as a Transmission Vector for COVID-19
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Researchers analyzed how airborne microplastics — tiny plastic particles that float in the air — could potentially carry SARS-CoV-2 virus particles and serve as an additional transmission route for COVID-19. The paper argues that contaminated plastic waste and airborne microplastics warrant precautionary management as part of pandemic control strategies.
Microplastics and Macroplastic Debris as Potential Physical Vectors of SARS-CoV-2: A Hypothetical Overview with Implications for Public Health
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This hypothesis paper proposes that macro- and microplastic debris could act as physical vectors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, reviewing evidence on viral persistence on plastic surfaces and the surge in pandemic-related plastic waste. The authors argue that plastic pollution represents an underexamined dimension of COVID-19 transmission risk, particularly in coastal and aquatic environments.
Airborne micro- and nanoplastics: hidden vectors for human infection?
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This commentary synthesizes evidence on whether airborne micro- and nanoplastics could serve as carriers for respiratory viruses. Researchers noted that the high abundance of plastic particles in air, combined with their surface properties that may enhance viral persistence, makes this a plausible transmission pathway. However, the authors emphasize that significant uncertainties remain and call for targeted research to determine whether plastic particles meaningfully contribute to airborne infection.
Microplastics interact with SARS-CoV-2 and facilitate host cell infection
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Researchers found that SARS-CoV-2 binds to microplastic surfaces, and this interaction facilitates enhanced viral infection of host cells and amplifies inflammatory responses, suggesting microplastics may act as vectors for viral pathogens.
Airborne microplastics and SARS-CoV-2 in total suspended particles in the area surrounding the largest medical centre in Latin America
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Researchers collected airborne particles near the largest medical centre in Latin America and tested for both microplastics and SARS-CoV-2 RNA. They found that 58% of air samples tested positive for the virus, and that total microplastic levels were positively associated with viral concentrations. The study suggests a potential association between airborne microplastic pollution and the environmental persistence of respiratory viruses, though more research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.