We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
COVID-19 pandemic repercussions on plastic and antiviral polymeric textile causing pollution on beaches and coasts of South America
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how the COVID-19 pandemic increased single-use plastic and face mask waste — much of it made from synthetic polymers — and how mismanagement of this personal protective equipment is worsening plastic pollution on South American beaches and coasts. The study warns that mask-derived microplastics and metal nanoparticles from antiviral textiles pose a growing long-term threat to marine ecosystems.
The propagation of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide has been alarming in the last months. According to recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of face masks is essential for slowing down the transmission rate of COVID-19 in human beings. This pandemic has generated a substantial increase in the use, as well as in the production, of face masks and other elements (gloves, face protectors, protective suits, safety shoes) manufactured with polymeric materials, including antiviral textiles most of which will end as microplastic pools. Focusing on South America, the use and mismanagement of this type of personal protective equipment (PPE) represents an environmental problem. Added to this issue are the increase in the use of single-use plastic, and the reduction of plastic recycling due to the curfew generated by the pandemic, further aggravating plastic pollution on coasts and beaches. Recently, researchers have developed antiviral polymeric textile technology composed of Ag and Cu nanoparticles for PPE to reduce the contagion and spread of COVID-19. Antiviral polymeric textile wastes could also have long-term negative repercussions on aquatic environments, as they are an important emerging class of contaminants. For this reason, this work provides reflections and perspectives on how the COVID-19 pandemic can aggravate plastic pollution on beaches and coastal environments, consequently increasing the damage to marine species in the coming years. In addition, the potential impact of the pandemic on waste management systems is discussed here, as well as future research directions to improve integrated coastal management strategies.
More Papers Like This
The COVID-19 pandemic face mask waste: A blooming threat to the marine environment.
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how single-use face masks — billions of which were discarded during the COVID-19 pandemic — contribute to microplastic and microfiber pollution in marine environments when improperly disposed of. The pandemic created a massive new source of plastic pollution, with masks breaking down into microplastics and releasing chemical contaminants in the ocean.
COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) contamination in coastal areas of Granada, Spain
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed four Spanish beaches and found over 17,500 pieces of plastic waste, with COVID-19 face masks making up 92% of all personal protective equipment litter; plastic debris increased by 92% during vacation periods, illustrating how the pandemic compounded existing coastal plastic pollution.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in coastal environment, Southeast Coast of India.
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution including face masks and gloves in coastal and marine environments following the COVID-19 pandemic. PPE items were found at all surveyed sites, representing a new category of marine litter with potential to shed microfibers and chemical additives. The study calls for improved waste management strategies for single-use pandemic-related plastics.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by COVID-19 pandemic in Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in Asia: Abundance, distribution, and analytical characterization.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study surveyed COVID-19 personal protective equipment littered on Marina Beach in India, finding over 1,150 items with face masks making up the vast majority. The authors measured the chemical composition of the discarded PPE and raised concerns about masks becoming a significant new source of microplastic pollution as they degrade in coastal environments.
Occurrence of personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with the COVID-19 pandemic along the coast of Lima, Peru
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers surveyed COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) along Lima, Peru's coastline over 12 weeks, finding 138 PPE items across 11 beaches and identifying them as a new source of plastic pollution and potential microplastic generation.
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.