Can the Novel Coronavirus Survive in Water and Affect Fish and Sea Life?

Viruses, including the SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, are neither fully alive nor dead but rather exist in a state of life and not-life. They remain dormant until they infect their specific host cells. Despite this, the question of whether they can survive in aquatic environments still remains pertinent.

The Novel Coronavirus and Water

While the novel coronavirus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, it has been detected in wastewater, a finding highlighted in a Lancet article. Consequently, understanding the behavior of this virus in wastewater and other water sources is crucial.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus can indeed survive in water for a period of time, although the exact duration remains uncertain and is currently the subject of ongoing research.[1] In tap water at 20°C, the virus can remain active for 8–12 days. However, its survival is impaired in the presence of detergent components, which can inactivate it more quickly.[2]

Water Treatment Methods and Virus Inactivation

Cleaning and disinfection methods are vital in ensuring the safety of water supplies. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), conventional water treatment methods, including filtration and disinfection, are highly effective in removing or inactivating the virus that causes COVID-19.[3]

"Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection such as those in most municipal drinking water systems should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19."em> - WHO

Impact on Fish and Sea Life

While there is no direct evidence that fish or other sea creatures can catch the novel coronavirus, the virus's presence in wastewater poses a potential threat to marine ecosystems. Research indicates that SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in sewage, raising concerns about its potential impact on aquatic life.[4] The virus's durable outer shell, known as a lipid envelope, allows it to remain stable in water for extended periods, which can lead to long-term contamination in aquatic environments.

Deactivation of Viruses in Water

Deactivating viruses in water, particularly the SARS-CoV-2, can be achieved through proper cleaning techniques. Soap serves an essential role in breaking down the virus's lipid envelope, rendering it inactive. Consider the common kitchen scenario: pouring water on a greasy dish, then adding a few drops of dish soap. The soap breaks down the fat layer, making the grease bubbles that can't adhere to each other. A similar mechanism applies to the virus: the soap breaks down its lipid envelope, exposing its RNA or DNA, which then deactivates it.

The process of deactivation is straightforward: use soap and water to clean surfaces and neutralize the virus.[5] Other conditions, such as exposure to sunlight, warmth, or cold, can also deactivate viruses depending on the specific type of virus and its characteristics. However, water alone does not adequately deactivate the virus; it simply provides an environment where the virus can remain active for a certain period.

Conclusion

The novel coronavirus can survive in water, although its ability to do so is limited. Water treatment processes are effective in inactivating the virus, and deactivation methods like using soap and water are also effective. However, the presence of the virus in wastewater highlights the potential risks to aquatic ecosystems, making ongoing research and monitoring essential.

For more information on managing the virus's spread and impact, consult reliable health organizations and data sources.

[1] Lancet Article
[2] WHO - Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
[3] WHO - Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
[4] A distinct report on aquatic contamination
[5] Common household cleaning practices