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Microplastics and other emerging contaminants in the environment after COVID-19 pandemic: The need of global reconnaissance studies
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This review examines how COVID-19 pandemic waste, including disposable masks, gloves, and disinfectants, has increased microplastic and chemical contamination in the environment. These contaminants enter waterways through improper disposal, wastewater plants, and surface runoff. The study calls for global monitoring to understand the full impact of pandemic-related pollution on ecosystems and human health.
Evidence of the increase of emerging contaminants in the environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, pharmaceuticals, etc., has enlarged. Here we explain the variety of pathways of these emerging contaminants to enter the environment, including wastewater treatment plants, improper disposal of PPE, and runoff from surfaces treated with disinfectants. We also discuss the current state-of-art of the toxicological implications of these emerging contaminants. Initial research suggests that they may have harmful effects on aquatic organisms and human health. Future directions are suggested as further research is needed to fully understand the impacts of these contaminants on the environment and humans, as well as to develop effective approaches to mitigate their potential negative effects.
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This brief review summarizes the extent of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened the problem through increased use and disposal of single-use plastic personal protective equipment including face masks and gloves. The authors call for improved waste management strategies to address this accelerating contamination.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.