Effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Environment

A Brief Critical Review

Abstract

The emergence of the new coronavirus resulted in the COVID-19 pandemic, which led several countries to adopt restrictive measures, such as the lockdown. As a consequence, several changes were observed in social, commercial, industrial and environmental dynamics. Thus, the present study aimed to make a brief review of some of the main effects of the Pandemic on the environment, in different parts of the world, gathering this information in a single document. To this end, a qualitative method was adopted, in which bibliographical surveys from scientific articles were carried out, as well from articles, news and reports from reliable sources. According to the sources consulted, the impacts observed in the air were mostly positive, resulting in the reduction of the concentrations of most of the atmospheric contaminants. With regard to water resources, positive effects were detected, such as the improvement in water quality in several places in the world, as well as negative effects, portrayed in the increase of the insertion of new aquatic contaminants, of difficult synthesis, in addition to the increase of residues, harmful to the marine fauna. The increase in the volume of waste, due to the new consumption habits imposed by the Pandemic, has also shown to influence soil properties. Finally, it is possible to conclude that the health crisis is linked to the cultural habits of a society that should seek to establish more harmonious relationships with the environment.