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Review
. 2021 Jan;28(3):2509-2521.
doi: 10.1007/s11356-020-11297-8. Epub 2020 Oct 24.

The bioaerosols emitted from toilet and wastewater treatment plant: a literature review

Mengmeng Lou  1 , Shuai Liu  1 , Chunjie Gu  1 , Huimin Hu  1 , Zhengkun Tang  1 , Yaopeng Zhang  1 , Chenye Xu  2   3 , Fang Li  4   5
Affiliations
Review

The bioaerosols emitted from toilet and wastewater treatment plant: a literature review

Mengmeng Lou et al. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 Jan.

Abstract

The aerosols harboring microorganisms and viruses released from the wastewater system into the air have greatly threatened the health and safety of human beings. The wastewater systems, including toilet and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), are the major locations of epidemic infections due to the extensive sources of aerosols, as well as multifarious germs and microorganisms. Viruses and microorganisms may transport from both toilet and hospital into municipal pipes and subsequently into WWTP, which accounts for the main source of bioaerosols dispersed in the air of the wastewater system. This review aims to elaborate the generation, transmission, and diffusion processes of bioaerosols at toilet and WWTP. Moreover, the main factors affecting bioaerosol transmission and the corresponding prevention strategies for the airborne and inhaled bioaerosols are also discussed. Collectively, this review highlights the importance of managing bioaerosol occurrence in the wastewater system, which has aroused increasing concern from the public.

Keywords: Airborne; Bioaerosols; Epidemic infections; Toilet; Virus; Wastewater treatment plant.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Diagram of bioaerosols emitted from the wastewater system and the transport route of germs and viruses
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The formation of airflow vortices in the toilet bowl during flushing
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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