Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Effects of Diverse Acids, Bases, and Alkali: An Evidence-Based Review

Abstract

The stability and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 are profoundly influenced by environmental factors such as pH and the presence of water. This study reviews the effects of acids, bases, water, and alkali on the virus, drawing from both historical and contemporary literature. Acidic conditions (pH < 3) and alkaline environments (pH > 10) have been shown to rapidly inactivate SARS-CoV-2 by disrupting its lipid bilayer and denaturing its proteins. Historical research on similar coronaviruses supports these findings, demonstrating consistent vulnerabilities to extreme pH levels. Recent studies confirm that SARS-CoV-2 remains stable in water for several days at room temperature but is effectively inactivated by standard disinfection processes such as chlorination and UV irradiation. The study underscores the critical role of environmental pH in managing virus stability and highlights the efficacy of acidic and alkaline disinfectants in controlling SARS-CoV-2 spread. These insights are essential for developing effective disinfection strategies and public health interventions to mitigate the transmission of the virus.