Coronavirus survival on beach sand: Sun vs COVID-19

Maria Adamantia Efstratiou; Ourania Tzoraki

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112270

Coronavirus survival on beach sand: Sun vs COVID-19

Mar Pollut Bull. 2021 Jun:167:112270. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112270. Epub 2021 Mar 18.

Authors

Maria Adamantia Efstratiou¹, Ourania Tzoraki²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, Mytilene 81100, Greece. Electronic address: efstratiou@aegean.gr.
² Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, Mytilene 81100, Greece. Electronic address: rania.tzoraki@aegean.gr.

Abstract

The disinfecting properties of sun (heat and UV radiation) are adequate in warm sunny regions to rid beach sand of coronavirus particles, if present. Here we detail the mechanism of natural disinfection offered by the sun on coronaviral particles that may find their way onto beach sand. We conclude that heat and UV radiation generated by the sun destroy the virus infection ability.

Keywords: Heat inactivation; Protein denaturation; SARS-CoV-2; Ultraviolet radiation.

MeSH terms

COVID-19*
Disinfection
Humans
SARS-CoV-2
Sand
Sunlight
Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

Sand