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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Environmental Hazard of Polypropylene from Disposable Face Masks Linked to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Possible Mitigation Techniques through a Green Approach
ClearBiodegradation of Polypropylene By Pseudomonas Aeruginosaisolated From Wastewater Associated Soil; A Potential Method To Eliminate The Plastic Pollution To Save Ecosystem
Researchers isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria from wastewater-associated soil and tested its ability to biodegrade polypropylene — the plastic used in many surgical masks and disposable products. The bacteria showed measurable plastic-degrading activity under lab conditions. This research is relevant to developing microbial solutions for degrading pandemic-era disposable plastic waste.
Identifikasi Bakteri Pendegradasi Polipropilen Pada Limbah Masker Dari Tpa Piyungan
This Indonesian study identified bacteria capable of degrading polypropylene in disposable face mask waste collected from a landfill. Bacteria that can break down synthetic polymers offer a potential biological tool for reducing microplastic formation from the large volumes of mask waste generated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Microbial strategies for degradation of microplastics generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste
Researchers reviewed microbial strategies for degrading microplastics generated from COVID-19 healthcare waste such as masks, gloves, and personal protective equipment. The study discusses how improper disposal of pandemic-related plastic waste creates microplastic pollution and explores the potential of microorganisms to break down these polymeric materials as a bioremediation approach.
Isolates of Polypropylene-degrading Bacteria from a Landfill
Researchers isolated and characterized polypropylene-degrading bacteria from a landfill site, identifying microbial strains capable of breaking down this widely used plastic, including the polypropylene found in disposable medical face masks that increased in use during the COVID-19 pandemic. The isolates demonstrated measurable degradation activity on polypropylene substrates, contributing to the search for biodegradation-based plastic waste management solutions.
The Bad Side of Face Masks and How Bacteria Can Help
This review examines how single-use face masks contributed to environmental microplastic pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores how bacteria and other microorganisms might be harnessed to biodegrade mask-derived microplastics in wastewater treatment systems.
Potential of Freshwater Microalgae in Biodegradation of Disposable Face Masks
Researchers investigated whether freshwater microalgae could biodegrade disposable face masks — a major source of pandemic plastic waste — measuring plastic weight loss and surface degradation under algal cultures. Selected algal species showed measurable degradation of mask fibers, suggesting a biological treatment pathway.
Environmental risks of polymer materials from disposable face masks linked to the COVID-19 pandemic
This review examines how disposable face masks from the COVID-19 pandemic release microplastics into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, discussing combined pollutant effects and proposing green technologies to reduce mask-related plastic waste at its source.
Potency of Face Mask-Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Parangtritis Beach, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Researchers isolated and characterised face mask-degrading bacteria from discarded masks at Parangtritis Beach in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, using Mineral Salt Media containing black duckbill, blue surgical, and white KF94 mask materials as selective substrates. The study aimed to identify microbial agents capable of degrading COVID-19 pandemic-related mask waste that had become a significant environmental contaminant at coastal sites.
COVID-19 disposable face masks: a precursor for synthesis of valuable bioproducts
Researchers proposed converting pandemic-era disposable face masks — made from thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene — into valuable bioproducts through chemical or biological upcycling, framing mask waste management as both an environmental and secondary biosafety challenge requiring urgent circular-economy solutions.
Uncovering the Release of Micro/nanoplastics from Disposable Face Masks at Times of COVID-19
Researchers found that disposable face masks release significant amounts of micro- and nanoplastic particles when subjected to water exposure and mechanical stress similar to environmental conditions. This confirms that the massive use of masks during COVID-19 introduced new sources of microplastic pollution into the environment.
Face masks: a COVID-19 protector or environmental contaminant?
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.
Review of the valorization options for the proper disposal of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers reviewed waste management options for the surge in discarded polypropylene face masks during COVID-19, finding that improper disposal contributes directly to microplastic pollution, and proposing valorization strategies — including energy recovery and material upcycling — tailored to country-level infrastructure and emergency conditions.
Degradation of plastics associated with the COVID-19 pandemic
This review examines how personal protective equipment from the COVID-19 pandemic degrades in the environment and becomes a source of microplastic pollution. Researchers found that face masks, primarily made of polypropylene, break down into microfibers relatively quickly when exposed to weathering. The study highlights that pandemic-related plastic waste represents a new and significant category of environmental microplastic contamination.
A review of disposable facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic: A focus on microplastics release
This review examines the environmental threats posed by disposable face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on microplastic release. Researchers found that discarded masks undergo physical and chemical degradation in the environment, generating microplastics that contaminate both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The study provides an overview of current knowledge on microplastic extraction methods and proposes strategies for controlling mask-related plastic pollution through source reduction and improved waste management.
Comparison between discarded facemask and common plastic waste on microbial colonization and physiochemical properties during aging in seawater
Researchers found that discarded surgical facemasks in seawater hosted more diverse microbial communities than conventional plastic waste, with higher degradation-related enzyme activity and more pronounced physicochemical changes during aging, raising concerns about their environmental impact.
Face Masks to Combat Coronavirus (COVID-19)—Processing, Roles, Requirements, Efficacy, Risk and Sustainability
This review examines the materials, manufacturing methods, and effectiveness of face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of which are made from non-biodegradable plastics like polypropylene and polyester. Researchers found that while masks are effective at reducing virus transmission, their widespread use and improper disposal have created a significant environmental concern as they break down into microplastics. The study calls for more sustainable mask materials and better waste management strategies to reduce the environmental footprint of pandemic-related plastic waste.
Fate of disposable face masks in high-solids anaerobic digestion: Experimental observations and review of potential environmental implications
Researchers examined the fate of disposable face masks in high-solids anaerobic digestion, finding that masks remained largely intact and released microplastic particles during the digestion process, raising environmental concerns about COVID-19 PPE waste in municipal solid waste streams.
Microbial solutions for plastic pollutants: Caprolactam, Polyvinyl alcohol, and surgical face masks
Researchers isolated Pseudomonas aeruginosa from soil and demonstrated its capacity to degrade caprolactam, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and surgical face mask materials, identified through 16S rRNA sequencing and HPLC analysis. The findings highlight microbial biodegradation as a promising approach for managing these persistent plastic pollutants.
Current knowledge on the presence, biodegradation, and toxicity of discarded face masks in the environment
This review examines the environmental fate of discarded face masks from the COVID-19 pandemic, covering their degradation, chemical release, and ecological toxicity. Researchers found that disposable masks break down slowly in the environment, releasing microplastic fibers and chemical additives that harm aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The study calls for improved disposal practices and further research into the long-term environmental consequences of pandemic-related mask waste.
Global face mask pollution: threats to the environment and wildlife, and potential solutions
Researchers reviewed the global face mask pollution crisis following COVID-19, estimating massive production volumes and finding that most disposal pathways generate secondary microplastic pollution or toxic emissions, and proposing countermeasures including biodegradable mask development and improved waste management policy.