Résumé
This research aims to find the impact of the nationwide partial and complete lockdowns on the environmental quality of Kuwait. This objective was accomplished by collecting roadside deposited sediments (n=54) at three periods during the first wave of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic (complete-lockdown, partial-lockdown, and re-opening) from different locations in Kuwait and then analyzing them via ICP-AES for the presence of heavy metals and later applying various pollution indices. Extensive analysis of 162 subsamples showed that virtually all the minimum values were associated with the complete lockdown period (9 out of 10 elements). Pearson's correlation coefficients indicate that all elements are positively correlated except for Cu-Cd, Cu-Cr, and Co-V, suggesting that the sediments share a common source. Except for cadmium and copper, almost all sediments showed low ecological risk potential (Eri < 40). The lowest risk index was during the complete lockdown (RI=162.2). The full lockdown period had marginally lower geo-accumulation indices and classes than the partial lockdown and re-opening periods. The improvement in sediment quality between the different periods was minimal due to low levels of commitment in the governmental curfew leave permissions, the continuity of Kuwait municipality manual and mechanical road cleanup processes during lockdowns, and the associated energy consumption with emissions resulting from extended indoor stay. © 2023, ALÖKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.
Résumé
Road dust pollution is a complex atmospheric issue that poses a significant ecotoxicological threat to human health and the environment. The presence of viruses in road dust can put humans at risk of infection, as airborne viral particles are a potential synergist to respiratory infirmities, leading to widespread mortality and morbidity. This corroborates the increasing number of desk-based studies on the effects of road dust. However, the role of road dust in the spread and pathogenicity of viruses has scarcely been explored, and there is still no certainty regarding whether road dust participates in viral transmission or causes infectious diseases. Therefore, the current knowledge and mechanisms of road-dust-associated viruses and other pathogenic microorganisms are critically reviewed, highlighting the importance of keeping an eye out for road-dust-associated viruses, as they represent hotspots for viral transmission. In this overview, we evaluate the emissions, associated contaminants, and public health implications of exposure to road-dust-associated viruses. A summary of potential mitigation measures is also presented, highlighting critical knowledge gaps, challenges, and future research directions that require urgent draconian measures. This overview is intended to serve as a seminal reference and management pivot for enhancing global pollution mitigation policies, development of analytical models/methods, periodic monitoring of road dust-associated viruses, and the transport of other pathogenic microorganisms.