The unwise use of antibacterial products and its impact on the environment and microbial resistance

Muscat: A study conducted by a team at Sultan Qaboos University has revealed that the increasing use of sterilising tools to combat COVID-19 accelerates the threats of antimicrobial resistance and the contamination of water resources and the environment with pharmaceuticals.  

"Use of antimicrobials in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, is on the rise. This can have serious consequences on the environment," Muhammad Usman at the Centre for Environmental Studies and Research (CESAR), Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) said.

The study titled "Environmental side effects of the injudicious use of antimicrobials in the era of COVID-19" concludes that antibiotics have had a reasonable role in bacterial co-infections with regards to the management of COVID-19. However, recent evidence suggests that there has been injudicious prescription of antimicrobials.

"Moreover, a large number of people are self-medicating with antibiotics in a misguided attempt to protect themselves from the virus. This practice is especially prevalent in developing communities. Although common soaps are effective at inactivating enveloped viruses, such as the SARS-CoV-2, use of antibacterial products bearing biocides has increased during this pandemic," the study added.

The research explains that current wastewater treatment techniques are unable to offer complete elimination of antibacterial biocides. These compounds can then accumulate in different environmental compartments thus disrupting the functioning of native microbes. These microbes are involved in the biogeochemical cycling of elements and environmental remediation. In addition, the presence of antimicrobial elements in the environment can stimulate antimicrobial resistance.

"Concrete actions are needed to address this issue. Development of an antimicrobial policy specific for COVID-19 is urgently needed. Investments into improving wastewater infrastructure as well as public awareness is crucial. Moreover, global monitoring programmes and multidisciplinary collaborations are required to understand the environmental impact of this pandemic," the study recommended.