Disinfectant impacts on water quality and fishes during the fight against COVID-19 spread

ABSTRACT

The World Health Organization recommended disinfectant use as a way of tackling the global spread of corona virus pandemic (COVID-19). A total of 246,245,186 infection cases, 246,134,984 recoveries and 4,995,890 deaths have been reported across the world with 3,767,744 confirmed cases in over 160 countries. The spread of the virus was addressed by restricting human and vehicular movements, compelled use of sanitizers, social distancing, and wearing of masks. Chlorine, alcohol and bleach disinfectants, which contain different active compounds, were also used to combat the spread of the virus by applying them on surfaces. The indiscriminate use of disinfectants was reported to have disastrous effects on water quality, and on skin and organs of fish in the long run. The virus affected generally almost all spheres of life. To this end, disinfectants must be used at recommended rate of application, and the proper disposal of wastewater is also important, so as to limit transmission of diseases. Strict adherence to human activities based on the approved guidelines by the government and stakeholders in the health sector is essential for a healthy life. This paper therefore reviews the types of disinfectants, and their effects on water quality, fish species and sustainability of the environment. © 2022, Prince of Songkla University. All rights reserved.