Disinfection methods and survival of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment and contaminated materials: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

The presence of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage and water resources has been used as an indication for the possible occurrence of the virus among communities and for its potential of transmission among humans through the surrounding environment or water resources. In order to reduce the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, contaminated surfaces should be disinfected frequently by using an effective disinfectant. The present review discusses a bibliometric analysis of the global SARS-CoV-2 research and focuses mainly on reviewing the efficiency of the most traditional disinfection technologies. The disinfection methods reviewed include those for hospitals' or medical facilities' wastewater, contaminated surfaces, and contaminated masks. The elimination of the virus based on the concept of sterility assurance level (SAL) is also discussed. In addition, the chemical disinfectants that are currently used, as well as their temporary efficiency, are also reviewed. The different technologies that are globally used for disinfection processes during the COVID-19 pandemic are shown. However, more advanced technologies, such as nanotechnology, might have more potential for higher inactivation effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2.