ABSTRACT
Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease there is a need for public water supply of the highest quality. Adequate levels of chlorine allow immediate elimination of harmful bacteria and viruses and provide a protective residual throughout the drinking water distribution network (DWDN). Therefore, a residual chlorine decay model was developed to predict chlorine levels in a real drinking water distribution network. The model allowed determining human exposure to drinking water with a deficit of residual chlorine, considering that it is currently necessary for the population to have clean water to combat coronavirus Covid 19. The chlorine bulk decay rates (kb) and the reaction constant of chlorine with the pipe wall (kw) were experimentally determined. Average kb and kw values of 3.7 d− 1 and 0.066 m d− 1 were obtained, respectively. The values of kb and kw were used in EPANET to simulate the chlorine concentrations in a DWDN. The residual chlorine concentrations simulated by the properly calibrated and validated model were notably close to the actual concentrations measured at different points of the DWDN. The results showed that maintaining a chlorine concentration of 0.87 mg L− 1 in the distribution tank, the residual chlorine values in the nodes complied with the Ecuadorian standard (0.3 mg L− 1);meanwhile, about 45% of the nodes did not comply with what is recommended by the WHO as a mechanism to combat the current pandemic (0.5 mg L− 1). This study demonstrated that residual chlorine modeling is a valuable tool for monitoring water quality in the distribution network, allowing to control residual chlorine levels in this pandemic season.
ABSTRACT
This review goal is to reflect on the challenges and prospects for water quality in the face of the pandemic caused by the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19). Based on the information available so far, the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in wastewater has raised interest in using it as an early warning method, to detect the resurgence of infections and to report the risk associated with contracting SARS-CoV-2 in contact with untreated water or inadequately treated wastewater is discharged. The wastewater-based epidemiological approach can be used as an early indicator of infection within a specific population. On the other hand, it is necessary to collect information from the managers of drinking water supply companies and professionals who are related to water quality, to know SARS-CoV-2 data and information, and its influence on drinking water quality. The basic purpose of this review article is to try to provide a valuable and quick reference guide to COVID-19. Important topics were discussed, such as detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in various parts of the world;wastewater screening to monitor COVID-19;persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in aquatic systems;the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in drinking water;clean water as a mechanism to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic;chlorine as a disinfectant to eliminate SARS-CoV-2 and damage to ecosystems by the use of chlorine. Currently does not exist extensive literature on the effectiveness of water and wastewater treatment processes that ensure the correct elimination of SARS-CoV-2. Excessive use of disinfectants such as chlorine is causing effects on the environment. This document highlights the need for further research to establish the behavior of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in aquatic systems. This study presents an early overview of the observed and potential impacts of COVID-19 on the environment.