摘要:Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted in the air, water, cold-chain, biota, soil, and object surface.•The survival ability of SARS-CoV-2 differs in different environmental conditions.•The spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment can be used to assess the risk of infection.•Environmental monitoring can provide an early warning for potential virus outbreaks.•Systematic investigations on the environmental transmission of virus are recommended.AbstractCorona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the novel coronavirus, results in an acute respiratory condition coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and is highly infectious. The recent spread of this virus has caused a global pandemic. Currently, the transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 are being established, especially the role of environmental transmission. Here we review the environmental transmission routes and persistence of SARS-CoV-2. Recent studies have established that the transmission of this virus may occur, amongst others, in the air, water, soil, cold-chain, biota, and surface contact. It has also been found that the survival potential of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is dependent on different environmental conditions and pollution. Potentially important pathways include aerosol and fecal matter. Particulate matter may also be a carrier for SARS-CoV-2. Since microscopic particles can be easily absorbed by humans, more attention must be focused on the dissemination of these particles. These considerations are required to evolve a theoretical platform for epidemic control and to minimize the global threat from future epidemics.