How to study SARS-CoV-2 in soils?

Abstract

Wastewater based epidemiology is increasingly being considered as a potentially useful tool for early warning about eventual new COVID-19 outbreaks. In addition, some authors are investigating on the detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage sludge. However, no paper has been published up to date indicating how this virus could be quantified in soil samples. In view of that, we review available data searching for methodological approaches that could guide on the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 (and even other pathogenic microorganisms) in soils.

Keywords: Pathogenic microorganisms; SARS-CoV-2; Soil; Soil biodiversity; Viruses.