The presence of SARS-CoV-2 antiviral substances (SAS) in the environment is a current problem that is likely to worsen in the coming years. Many SAS are relatively new substances and there is a lack of information about their behavior in the environment. Some of the SAS are already known drugs that have found a new use in the treatment of COVID-19 infection, usually in combination with other drugs. Such combinations can potentially change the behavior of SAS in the environment (possible synergistic effects).

The EnA-SARS project is a continuation of the long-term work of the project leader on the topic of new pollutants in the environment. The main objective of the project is to shed light on the fate and behavior of selected SAS in the environment (ecotoxicity, degradation, synergistic/antagonistic effect) in order to assess the real environmental risk. In addition, different methods for the remediation of SAS-polluted water will be investigated, including advanced oxidation processes, biodegradation and a combination of these methods. The project will study 13 SAS selected based on the likelihood of their occurrence in the environment and the lack of information on their fate and behavior in the environment. These are: atazanavir, emtricitabine, oseltamivir, ribavirin, ritonavir, nirmatrelvir, lopinavir, favipiravir, remdesivir, darunavir, umifenovir, sofosbuvir and daclatasvir.