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The Analysis of Soil Contamination Related to Mask Production and Consumption during COVID-19 Pandemic
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This study analyzed soil contamination from polypropylene microplastics released during the production and use of surgical face masks, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mass production of masks created a large new source of polypropylene microplastics entering soil via improper disposal and manufacturing waste.
This paper focuses on the analysis of possible sources of soil contamination related to mask production, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The target of the study is to analyze two possible sources, mask production and mask consumption, to evaluate their contributions to soil contamination. Based on the analysis of current studies, one of the composites of surgical masks, polypropylene, is harmful to the environment. Considering that researching the universal situation of soil contamination can be too broad to investigate soil contamination, this paper proposes that China performs a good case study. Using statistics on mask production and particulate matter pollution led to the conclusion that only mask consumption and disposal result in contamination instead of the manufacturing process of masks in industries. At last, China’s response to soil contamination is also examined. Therefore, this paper concludes and discusses several possible actions that could be adopted to combat soil contamination in China.
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The environmental impact of mask-derived microplastics on soil ecosystems
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Researchers reviewed how discarded face masks from the COVID-19 pandemic break down into microplastics and affect soil ecosystems. They found that mask-derived microplastics alter soil structure, change microbial community composition, and can release harmful chemical additives into the ground. The study suggests that the massive increase in mask waste during the pandemic has created a new and significant source of soil microplastic pollution.
The Impact of Single-Use Mask Waste on the Quality of Loamy Soil
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Researchers assessed the impact of discarded single-use face masks on loamy soil quality in Indonesia, where COVID-19 dramatically increased mask waste. The study found that mask fragments in soil affected soil properties and plant growth over a 45-day leaching period. Evidence indicates that the accumulation of single-use mask waste in soil environments can alter soil quality and may introduce microplastic contamination into agricultural systems.
Potential Microplastic Threat: Environmental Assessment of The Face Mask Pollution
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Researchers assessed the environmental threat posed by face masks discarded during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that masks contain polypropylene fibers that can fragment into microplastics and persist in the environment. The study calls for better mask disposal strategies and environmental monitoring to track mask-derived microplastic pollution.
Face masks: a COVID-19 protector or environmental contaminant?
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This review examined how the massive global use of disposable face masks during COVID-19 has created a significant source of microplastic pollution, with billions of masks entering the environment and releasing plastic fibers and chemical contaminants.
A first report on the spatial and temporal variability of microplastics in coastal soils of an urban town in south-western India: Pre- and post-COVID scenario
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Temporal monitoring of coastal soil microplastic abundance in an urban area of southwest India between 2019 and 2021 found concentrations nearly doubled from 515 to 960 particles per kg, with the increase attributed in part to enhanced surgical mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.