Disinfection spreads antimicrobial resistance

During the COVID-19 pandemic, use of disinfectants, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and antiseptic wash has surged. As a precaution, many authorities have also increased chlorine dosage in wastewater disinfection to achieve free residual concentration greater than 6.5 mg/liter (1), despite evidence that just above 0.5 can completely inactivate human coronavirus (2). These chemicals reach aquatic terrestrial environments through direct discharge into receiving waters. Disinfection protocols put place prevent should be limited minimum required kill severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) weighed against their potential increase antimicrobial resistance (AMR).