Microplastics/nanoplastics released from facemasks as contaminants of emerging concern.
Mar Pollut Bull
; 191: 114954, 2023 Jun.
Artigo
em Inglês
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2309214
ABSTRACT
Facemasks have become a global medical necessity and are a key preventive measure against COVID-19. Typically, facemasks (FMs) are fabricated from non-renewable polymers, particularly polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), which release secondary microplastic (MPs) due to the chemical, physical, and biological processes. In light of the widespread usage and improper disposal of single-use facemasks, there is concern about their environmental impact since they contribute to plastic pollution during and after pandemics. The repercussions of this have led to millions of tons of plastic waste being dumped into the environment. Due to lack of awareness and improper disposal, the occurrence of micro/nanoplastics released from facemasks in wastewater treatment plants and landfills poses a concern. Infiltration of wastewater treatment processes by micro/nanoplastics at various levels can be problematic because of their chemical nature and broad but small size. Thus, operational and process stability issues can arise during wastewater treatment processes. In addition, landfilling and illegal waste disposal are being used to dispose of potentially infectious COVID-19 waste, leading to an environmental threat to animal and human health and exacerbating plastic pollution. This paper reviews the fate of facemasks in the environment and the repercussions of improper waste management of facemasks in wastewater treatment plants, landfills, and ultimately the environment.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
Disponível
Coleções:
Bases de dados internacionais
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Poluentes Químicos da Água
/
COVID-19
Tipo de estudo:
Clinical_trials
Limite:
Animais
/
Humanos
Idioma:
Inglês
Revista:
Mar Pollut Bull
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Artigo
País de afiliação:
J.marpolbul.2023.114954
Similares
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS