1
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Zhang X, Zhao B, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Li Y, Zhong J, Diao J, Ma F, Liu H, Duan K. Sources, interactions, influencing factors and ecological risks of microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes in soil: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:175226. [PMID: 39098429 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are gaining increasing attention as they pose a threat to the ecological environment and human health as emerging contaminants. MPs has been proved to be a hot spot in ARGs, and although it has been extensively studied in water environment, the results of bibliometrics statistical analysis in this paper showed that relevant studies in soil ecological environment are currently in the initial stage. In view of this, the paper provides a systematic review of the sources, interactions, influencing factors, and ecological risks associated with MPs and ARGs in soil environments. Additionally, the mechanism and influencing factors of plastisphere formation and resistance are elaborated in detail. The MPs properties, soil physicochemical properties, soil environmental factors and agricultural activities are the primarily factors affecting the interaction between MPs and ARGs in soil. Challenges and development directions of related research in the future are also prospected. It is hoped that the review could assist in a deeper comprehension and exploration of the interaction mechanism between MPs and ARGs in soil as well as the function of MPs in the transmission process of ARGs among diverse environmental media and organisms, and provide theory basis and reference for the MPs and ARGs pollution control and remediation in soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Baowei Zhao
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Yin Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yingquan Li
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jinkui Zhong
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jingru Diao
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Fengfeng Ma
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Kaixiang Duan
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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2
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Le VG, Nguyen MK, Lin C, Nguyen HL, Nguyen TQH, Hue NK, Truong QM, Chang SW, Nguyen XH, Nguyen DD. Review on personal protective equipment: Emerging concerns in micro(nano)plastic pollution and strategies for addressing environmental challenges. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119345. [PMID: 38851370 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, marking one of the most catastrophic global health crises of the 21st century. Throughout this period, widespread use and improper disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) emerged as a pressing environmental issue, significantly impacting various life forms. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a high rate of PEP disposal. An alarming 1.6 × 106 tons of plastic waste each day has been generated since the onset of the outbreak, predominantly from the inadequate disposal of PPE. The mismanagement and subsequent degradation of discarded PPE significantly contribute to increased non-biodegradable micro(nano)plastic (MNP) waste. This pollution has had profound adverse effects on terrestrial, marine, and aquatic ecosystems, which have been extensively of concern recently. Accumulated MNPs within aquatic organisms could serve as a potential route for human exposure when consuming seafood. This review presents a novel aspect concerning the pollution caused by MNPs, particularly remarking on their role during the pandemic and their detrimental effects on human health. These microplastic particles, through the process of fragmentation, transform into nanoparticles, persisting in the environment and posing potential hazards. The prevalence of MNP from PPE, notably masks, raises concerns about their plausible health risks, warranting global attention and comprehensive exploration. Conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the long-term effects of these processes and implementing effective management strategies is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van-Giang Le
- Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, Vietnam National University (CRES-VNU), Hanoi, 111000, Viet Nam
| | - Minh-Ky Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Viet Nam.
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Hoang-Lam Nguyen
- Department of Civil Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Tri Quang Hung Nguyen
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen K Hue
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Nong Lam University, Hamlet 6, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Viet Nam
| | - Quoc-Minh Truong
- Faculty of Management Science, Thu Dau Mot University, Binh Duong, 75000, Viet Nam
| | - Soon W Chang
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon, 16227, South Korea
| | - X Hoan Nguyen
- Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - D Duc Nguyen
- Department of Civil & Energy System Engineering, Kyonggi University, Suwon, 16227, South Korea; Institute of Applied Technology and Sustainable Development, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Viet Nam.
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3
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Zhang Y, Jiang F, Li F, Lu S, Liu Z, Wang Y, Chi Y, Jiang C, Zhang L, Chen Q, He Z, Zhao X, Qiao J, Xu X, Leung KMY, Liu X, Wu F. Global daily mask use estimation in the pandemic and its post environmental health risks: Analysis based on a validated dynamic mathematical model. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 473:134572. [PMID: 38772106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp increase in disposable surgical mask usage. Discarded masks can release microplastic and cause environmental pollution. Since masks have become a daily necessity for protection against virus infections, it is necessary to review the usage and disposal of masks during the pandemic for future management. In this study, we constructed a dynamic model by introducing related parameters to estimate daily mask usage in 214 countries from January 22, 2020 to July 31, 2022. And we validated the accuracy of our model by establishing a dataset based on published survey data. Our results show that the cumulative mask usage has reached 800 billion worldwide, and the microplastics released from discarded masks due to mismanagement account for 3.27% of global marine microplastic emissions in this period. Furthermore, we illustrated the response relationship between mask usage and the infection rates. We found a marginally significant negative correlation existing between the mean daily per capita mask usage and the rate of cumulative confirmed cases within the range of 25% to 50%. This indicates that if the rate reaches the specified threshold, the preventive effect of masks may become evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Fei Jiang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Fengmin Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zihao Liu
- School of information science and engineering, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Yuwen Wang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Yiming Chi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
| | - Chenchen Jiang
- First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Zhipeng He
- Shandong Freshwater Fisheries Research Institude, Jinan 250013, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jianmin Qiao
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Xiaoya Xu
- College of Geography and Environment, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250358, China
| | - Kenneth Mei Yee Leung
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Pollution and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education and College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China.
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
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4
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Han Y, Gu X, Lin C, He M, Wang Y. Effects of COVID-19 on coastal and marine environments: Aggravated microplastic pollution, improved air quality, and future perspective. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 355:141900. [PMID: 38579953 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic during 2020-2023 has wrought adverse impacts on coastal and marine environments. This study conducts a comprehensive review of the collateral effects of COVID-19 on these ecosystems through literature review and bibliometric analysis. According to the output and citation analysis of these publications, researchers from the coastal countries in Asia, Europe, and America payed more attentions to this environmental issue than other continents. Specifically, India, China, and USA were the top three countries in the publications, with the proportion of 19.55%, 18.99%, and 12.01%, respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly aggravated the plastic and microplastic pollution in coastal and marine environments by explosive production and unproper management of personal protective equipment (PPE). During the pandemic, the estimated mismanaged PPE waste ranged from 16.50 t/yr in Sweden to 250,371.39 t/yr in Indonesia. In addition, the PPE density ranged from 1.13 × 10-5 item/m2 to 2.79 item/m2 in the coastal regions worldwide, showing significant geographical variations. Besides, the emerging contaminants released from PPE into the coastal and marine environments cannot be neglected. The positive influence was that the COVID-19 lockdown worldwide reduced the release of air pollutants (e.g., fine particulate matter, NO2, CO, and SO2) and improved the air quality. The study also analyzed the relationships between sustainable development goals (SDGs) and the publications and revealed the dynamic changes of SDGs in different periods the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, the air was cleaner due to the lockdown, but the coastal and marine contamination of plastic, microplastic, and emerging contaminants got worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last but not least, the study proposed four strategies to deal with the coastal and marine pollution caused by COVID-19, which were regular marine monitoring, performance of risk assessment, effective regulation of plastic wastes, and close international cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixuan Han
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Xiang Gu
- National-Regional Joint Engineering Research Center for Soil Pollution Control and Remediation in South China, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Integrated Agro-environmental Pollution Control and Management, Institute of Eco-environmental and Soil Sciences, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510650, China; School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Chunye Lin
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Mengchang He
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yidi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
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5
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Gracia C A, Neal WJ, Rangel-Buitrago N. Emerging from lockdown: Medical and sanitary waste on a Colombian beach during the first holiday season after COVID pandemic. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 202:116355. [PMID: 38615518 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Gracia C
- Programa de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia.
| | - William J Neal
- Department of Geology, Grand Valley State University, The Seymour K. & Esther R. Padnos Hall of Science 213A, Allendale, MI, USA
| | - Nelson Rangel-Buitrago
- Programa de Física, Facultad de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad del Atlántico, Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, Colombia.
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6
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Rangel DF, Costa LL, Ribeiro VV, De-la-Torre GE, Castro ÍB. Protective personal equipment on coastal environments: Identifying key drivers at a global scale. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 468:133839. [PMID: 38402681 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The contamination of coastal ecosystems by personal protective equipment (PPE) emerged as a significant concern immediately following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). Hence, numerous studies have assessed PPE occurrence on beaches worldwide. However, no predictors on PPE contamination was so far pointed out. The present study investigated social and landscape drivers affecting the PPE density in coastal environments worldwide using a meta-analysis approach. Spatial variables such as urban modification levels, coastal vegetation coverage, population density (HPD), distance from rivers (DNR), and poverty degree (GGRDI) were derived from global satellite data. These variables, along with the time elapsed after WHO declared the pandemic, were included in generalized additive models as potential predictors of PPE density. HPD consistently emerged as the most influential predictor of PPE density (p < 0.00001), exhibiting a positive effect. Despite the presence of complex non-linear relationships, our findings indicate higher PPE density in areas with intermediate GGRDI levels, indicative of emerging economies. Additionally, elevated PPE density was observed in areas located further away from rivers (p < 0.001), and after the initial months of the pandemic. Despite the uncertainties associated with the varied sampling methods employed by the studies comprising our database, this study offers a solid baseline for tackling the global problem of PPE contamination on beachesguiding monitoring assessments in future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leonardo Lopes Costa
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Solar Brasil de Desenvolvimento Saúde e Pesquisa - ISOBRAS, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Ítalo Braga Castro
- Instituto do Mar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Santos, SP, Brazil.
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7
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Najafighodousi A, Nemati F, Rayegani A, Saberian M, Zamani L, Li J. Recycling facemasks into civil construction material to manage waste generated during COVID-19. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:12577-12590. [PMID: 38168852 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-31726-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Growing plastic pollution in the context of COVID-19 has caused significant challenges, exacerbating this already out-of-control issue. The pandemic has considerably boosted the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), such as facemasks and gloves, all over the globe, and mismanaging this growing plastic pollution has harmed the environment and wildlife significantly. To mitigate negative environmental impacts, it is necessary to develop and implement effective waste management strategies. This present study estimated the daily facemask generation throughout the pandemic in Iran based on the distribution of urban and rural populations and, likewise, the daily generation of hand gloves in the COVID-19 era and the amount of medical waste generated by COVID-19 patients were calculated. In the next step, the quantities of discarded facemasks dumped into the Caspian Sea, the Persian Gulf, and the Gulf of Oman from the coastal cities were determined. Finally, the innovative alternatives for repurposing discarded facemasks in civil construction materials such as concrete, pavement, and partition wall panel were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atiyeh Najafighodousi
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Nemati
- Department of Civil Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Rayegani
- Centre for Infrastructure Engineering, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, NSW, 2747, Australia
| | - Mohammad Saberian
- Vice Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Leila Zamani
- Center for Environmental Economics and Technology, Department of Environment of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jie Li
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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8
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Ortega-Borchardt JÁ, Barba-Acuña ID, De-la-Torre GE, Ramírez-Álvarez N, García-Hernández J. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on beaches in the eastern region of the Gulf of California, Mexico. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167539. [PMID: 37797773 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in plastic pollution, including improper disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study focuses on examining the presence and distribution of discarded PPE in three locations in Sonora, Mexico, located within the Gulf of California. Transects were conducted in 2021 and 2022, during which PPE items were visually identified, photographed, and classified. Face masks were found to be the most prevalent PPE type (96% of the total), with polymer-based masks being the most commonly observed (97% of the total). The density of PPE was higher on recreational beaches compared to non-recreational ones. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (W = 217.5, p = 0.014) in the PPE density between the sampled recreational beaches in 2021 and 2022, with a higher density recorded in the first year. Improper disposal of PPE poses environmental risks and potential threats to marine organisms. The documented discarded COVID-19-related PPE in this study provides important baseline information for future research and monitoring. This information is valuable to better understand the ecotoxicological effects of PPE and develop effective waste management strategies in the Gulf of California.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ángel Ortega-Borchardt
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera al Varadero Nacional Km. 6.6. Col. Las Playitas, Guaymas, Sonora C.P. 85480, Mexico.
| | - Isai David Barba-Acuña
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera al Varadero Nacional Km. 6.6. Col. Las Playitas, Guaymas, Sonora C.P. 85480, Mexico
| | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Nancy Ramírez-Álvarez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanológicas-UABC, Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada 3917, Col. Playitas, Ensenada, B.C. C.P. 22860, Mexico
| | - Jaqueline García-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, A.C. Carretera al Varadero Nacional Km. 6.6. Col. Las Playitas, Guaymas, Sonora C.P. 85480, Mexico
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Waqas M, Wong MS, Stocchino A, Abbas S, Hafeez S, Zhu R. Marine plastic pollution detection and identification by using remote sensing-meta analysis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 197:115746. [PMID: 37951122 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
The persistent plastic litter, originating from different sources and transported from rivers to oceans, has posed serious biological, ecological, and chemical effects on the marine ecosystem, and is considered a global issue. In the past decade, many studies have identified, monitored, and tracked marine plastic debris in coastal and open ocean areas using remote sensing technologies. Compared to traditional surveying methods, high-resolution (spatial and temporal) multispectral or hyperspectral remote sensing data have been substantially used to monitor floating marine macro litter (FMML). In this systematic review, we present an overview of remote sensing data and techniques for detecting FMML, as well as their challenges and opportunities. We reviewed the studies based on different sensors and platforms, spatial and spectral resolution, ground sampling data, plastic detection methods, and accuracy obtained in detecting marine litter. In addition, this study elaborates the usefulness of high-resolution remote sensing data in Visible (VIS), Near-infrared (NIR), and Short-Wave InfraRed (SWIR) range, along with spectral signatures of plastic, in-situ samples, and spectral indices for automatic detection of FMML. Moreover, the Thermal Infrared (TIR), Synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data were introduced and these were demonstrated that could be used as a supplement dataset for the identification and quantification of FMML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Waqas
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man Sing Wong
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Research Institute of Land and Space, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Alessandro Stocchino
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sawaid Abbas
- Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab (RSGCRL), National Center of GIS and Space Applications, University of the Punjab, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| | - Sidrah Hafeez
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China; Research Institute of Land and Space, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
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10
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Araña KND, Dimaongon NG, Mauyag ND, Hadji Morad NM, Manupac SRR, Bacosa HP. Personal protective equipment (PPE) litter in terrestrial urban areas of Iligan City, Philippines. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1486. [PMID: 37973642 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12044-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, many countries have relied on the massive use of personal protective equipment (PPE) following the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. These PPEs include facemasks, face shields, disinfectant wipes, and disposable gloves. While PPE serves as protection, it can also be a source of pollution. This study is the first to establish a baseline monitoring and assessment of the spatial distribution of COVID-19-related PPE litter approaching the post-pandemic from the urban areas in Iligan City, Philippines. A total of 1632 COVID-19 PPE litter were gathered in all surveyed locations, predominantly facemasks (90.7%) and disinfectant wipes (8.8%). Among the surveyed areas, the location that recorded the highest count and density of PPE litter is in a residential zone (52.14%; n = 851; 0.0317 item m-2); the lowest was determined in recreational parks (2.57%; n = 42; 0.0016 item m-2). The significant difference in the total count of PPE items in each location could be traced to the varying land uses and ecosystems as well as the human behavior and activities. FTIR results reveal that all types of facemasks sampled are principally made of polypropylene, a material that threatens environmental sustainability and low recyclability. As the country is embracing the new normal and somewhat returning to pre-pandemic activities, this study calls for the prioritization of the government agendas on ecological solid waste management in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent Naiah D Araña
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines
| | - Noralyn G Dimaongon
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines
| | - Noronimah D Mauyag
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines
| | - Nisriah M Hadji Morad
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines
| | - Shekinah Ruth R Manupac
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines
| | - Hernando P Bacosa
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines.
- Center for Sustainable Polymers, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Lanao del Norte, 9200, Iligan, Philippines.
- Main Campus Bataraza Extension (MCBE), Mindanao State University-Main Campus, Lanao del Sur, 9700, Marawi, Philippines.
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11
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Aslan H, Yılmaz O, Benfield MC, Becan SA. Temporal trends in personal protective equipment (PPE) debris during the COVID-19 pandemic in Çanakkale (Turkey). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165377. [PMID: 37422228 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
This study examines trends in PPE (masks, gloves) and disinfecting wipes over three years of the pandemic. The densities of discarded masks, wet wipes, and gloves (personal protective equipment: PPE), were quantified on the streets of Canakkale, Turkey during similar time periods in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Geotagged images of PPE on the streets and sidewalks were documented with a smartphone, while the track of an observer was recorded using a fitness tracker app along a 7.777 km long survey route in the city center, parallel to the Dardanelles Strait. A total of 18 surveys were conducted over three years, and the survey route was subdivided into three zones based on utilization patterns: pedestrian zone, traffic zone and a recreational park zone. The combined densities of all types of PPE density were high in 2020, lower in 2021 and highest in 2022. The within year trend showed an increase over the three study years. The average density of gloves declined from an initially high level in 2020, when the SARS-CoV-2 virus was thought to be transmitted by contact, to near zero in 2021 and to zero in 2022. Densities of wipes were similar in 2020 and 2021 and higher in 2022. Masks were initially difficult to procure in 2020, and their densities progressively increased during that year reaching a plateau in 2021 with similar densities in 2022. PPE densities were significantly lower in the pedestrian route relative to the traffic and park routes, which were not different from each other. The partial curfews implemented by the Turkish government and the effects of prevention measures taken on the PPE concentration in the streets are discussed along with the importance of waste management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herdem Aslan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey.
| | - Okan Yılmaz
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Mark C Benfield
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - S Ahmet Becan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
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Farrokhi M, Khankeh H, Saatchi M, Hadinejad Z, Ahmadi-Mazhin S, Mohsenzadeh Y, Mehraein Nazdik Z, Shojafard J, Pourvakhshoori N, Ahmadi S. The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Environmental Health (Two Sides of the Same Coin): A Systematic Review. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2023; 17:e499. [PMID: 37781756 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2023.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 has led to many changes such as reduced human activities and effects on the environment. There is no big picture of the effects of pandemics on the environment using related evidence. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on environmental health. METHODS A systematic search of English language studies was performed in major electronic databases; Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar web search engine from December 2019 to February 2022. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standard guidelines were used to follow up the review process. finally 58 articles entered the review procedure. RESULTS The results of indicate a significant reduction of air pollutants and improved air quality. It improved the water quality of some rivers, canals, and seas during the lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic. The effects of this disease on the environment cannot be fully described yet. CONCLUSION In the short term, the amount of air, water, and coastal pollution has been reduced. few studies have examined the effects of pandemics on the environment in the long run, which paves the way for more researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Farrokhi
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Khankeh
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Saatchi
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zoya Hadinejad
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Education and Research, Emergency Medical Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Sadegh Ahmadi-Mazhin
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Yazdan Mohsenzadeh
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Nurse Sciences, Faculty of Emergency Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Zahra Mehraein Nazdik
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Shojafard
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Pourvakhshoori
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Shokoufeh Ahmadi
- Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Dey S, Samanta P, Dutta D, Kundu D, Ghosh AR, Kumar S. Face masks: a COVID-19 protector or environmental contaminant? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:93363-93387. [PMID: 37548785 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-29063-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Face masks, a prime component of personal protective equipment (PPE) items, have become an integral part of human beings to survive under the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation. The global population requires an estimated 130 billion face masks and 64 billion gloves/month, while the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the daily disposal of approximately 3.5 billion single-use face masks, resulting in a staggering 14,245,230.63 kg of face mask waste. The improper disposal of face mask wastes followed by its mismanagement is a challenge to the scientists as the wastes create pollution leading to environmental degradation, especially plastic pollution (macro/meso/micro/nano). Each year, an estimated 0.15-0.39 million tons of COVID-19 face mask waste, along with 173,000 microfibers released daily from discarded surgical masks, could enter the marine environment, while used masks have a significantly higher microplastic release capacity (1246.62 ± 403.50 particles/piece) compared to new masks (183.00 ± 78.42 particles/piece). Surgical face masks emit around 59 g CO2-eq greenhouse gas emissions per single use, cloth face masks emit approximately 60 g CO2-eq/single mask, and inhaling or ingesting microplastics (MPs) caused adverse health problems including chronic inflammation, granulomas or fibrosis, DNA damage, cellular damage, oxidative stress, and cytokine secretion. The present review critically addresses the role of face masks in reducing COVID-19 infections, their distribution pattern in diverse environments, the volume of waste produced, degradation in the natural environment, and adverse impacts on different environmental segments, and proposes sustainable remediation options to tackle environmental challenges posed by disposable COVID-19 face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhendu Dey
- Department of Environmental Science, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, 713 104, West Bengal, India
| | - Palas Samanta
- Department of Environmental Science, Sukanta Mahavidyalaya, University of North Bengal, Dhupguri, 735 210, West Bengal, India
| | - Deblina Dutta
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, 522 240, India
| | - Debajyoti Kundu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, School of Engineering and Sciences, SRM University-AP, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, 522 240, India
| | - Apurba Ratan Ghosh
- Department of Environmental Science, The University of Burdwan, Burdwan, 713 104, West Bengal, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur, 440 020, Maharashtra, India.
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14
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Chorographic assessment on the overburden of single-use plastics bio-medical wastes risks and management during COVID-19 pandemic in India. TOTAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH THEMES 2023; 7:100062. [PMCID: PMC10275774 DOI: 10.1016/j.totert.2023.100062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Amid the rapid influx of SARS‑CoV‑2 patients in various hospitals across India, the disposal of COVID-19 bio-medical wastes become a major challenging crisis in these days. As a consequence, the unexpected surge of utilizing Single-Use Plastics (SUP) from Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs) in particular protective gloves, nose masks, body aprons. is common in day to day and estimated as minimum of 730 g of waste can be generated per day/person in India. The research objectives on a national scale focuses that the document being active belongings, communications and preparations associated with hospital desecrates care and the existing facts on the physical condition and ecological risk on health care biomedical throw away which dropped during the SARS‑CoV‑2 virus disease pandemic. Based on number of confirmed COVID-19 cases 5,78,578 and 3,92,1149 health care workers as of 1st July 2020 (includes active, recovered and deaths) in India is assessed using GIS that an average 3150 tons per day of SUP waste generated only due to COVID-19 even though the hospitals make all safety measures to put away the clinical wastes. The States like Maharashtra (484.12tons/day), Tamil Nadu (337.76 tons/day), Andhra Pradesh (229.23 tons/day), Rajasthan (183.87 tons/day), Gujarat (181.41 tons/day), Karnataka, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh are over loaded with 212.73, 244.36 and 176.86 tons/day respectively greater than their normal per day bio-medical waste generated. This study finds the space in handling of Bio-Medical Waste Management of the pandemic COIVD-19 outbreaks and its’ remedial actions to improve the necessity in the future emergency in the developing countries like India.
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15
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Hasan M, Islam ARMT, Jion MMMF, Rahman MN, Peu SD, Das A, Bari ABMM, Islam MS, Pal SC, Islam A, Choudhury TR, Rakib MRJ, Idris AM, Malafaia G. Personal protective equipment-derived pollution during Covid-19 era: A critical review of ecotoxicology impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 887:164164. [PMID: 37187394 PMCID: PMC10182863 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people used personal protective equipment (PPE) to lessen the spread of the virus. The release of microplastics (MPs) from discarded PPE is a new threat to the long-term health of the environment and poses challenges that are not yet clear. PPE-derived MPs have been found in multi-environmental compartments, e.g., water, sediments, air, and soil across the Bay of Bengal (BoB). As COVID-19 spreads, healthcare facilities use more plastic PPE, polluting aquatic ecosystems. Excessive PPE use releases MPs into the ecosystem, which aquatic organisms ingest, distressing the food chain and possibly causing ongoing health problems in humans. Thus, post-COVID-19 sustainability depends on proper intervention strategies for PPE waste, which have received scholarly interest. Although many studies have investigated PPE-induced MPs pollution in the BoB countries (e.g., India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar), the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges of PPE-derived waste have largely gone unnoticed. Our study presents a critical literature review covering the ecotoxicity impacts, intervention strategies, and future challenges across the BoB countries (e.g., India (162,034.45 tons), Bangladesh (67,996 tons), Sri Lanka (35,707.95 tons), and Myanmar (22,593.5 tons). The ecotoxicity impacts of PPE-derived MPs on human health and other environmental compartments are critically addressed. The review's findings infer a gap in the 5R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Redesign, and Restructure) Strategy's implementation in the BoB coastal regions, hindering the achievement of UN SDG-12. Despite widespread research advancements in the BoB, many questions about PPE-derived MPs pollution from the perspective of the COVID-19 era still need to be answered. In response to the post-COVID-19 environmental remediation concerns, this study highlights the present research gaps and suggests new research directions considering the current MPs' research advancements on COVID-related PPE waste. Finally, the review suggests a framework for proper intervention strategies for reducing and monitoring PPE-derived MPs pollution in the BoB countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam
- Department of Disaster Management, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh; Department of Development Studies, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1216, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Md Naimur Rahman
- Department of Geography and Environmental Science, Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur 5400, Bangladesh
| | - Susmita Datta Peu
- Department of Agriculture, Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Arnob Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, 6 Rajshahi 6204, Bangladesh
| | - A B M Mainul Bari
- Department of Industrial and Production Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh
| | - Subodh Chandra Pal
- Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman 713104, West Bengal, India
| | - Aznarul Islam
- Department of Geography, Aliah University, 17 Gorachand Road, Kolkata 700 014, West Bengal, India.
| | - Tasrina Rabia Choudhury
- Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division, Atomic Energy Centre Dhaka (AECD), Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guilherme Malafaia
- Post-Graduation Program in Conservation of Cerrado Natural Resources, Goiano Federal Institute, Urutaí, GO, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Ecology, Conservation, and Biodiversity, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil; Post-Graduation Program in Biotechnology and Biodiversity, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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16
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Akhtar S, Pranay K, Kumari K. Personal protective equipment and micro-nano plastics: A review of an unavoidable interrelation for a global well-being hazard. HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADVANCES 2023; 6:100055. [PMID: 37102160 PMCID: PMC10089666 DOI: 10.1016/j.heha.2023.100055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The usage and the demand for personal protective equipments (PPEs) for our day-to-day survival in this pandemic period of COVID-19 have seen a steep rise which has consequently led to improper disposal and littering. Fragmentation of these PPE units has eventually given way to micro-nano plastics (MNPs) emission in the various environmental matrices and exposure of living organisms to these MNPs has proven to be severely toxic. Numerous factors contribute to the toxicity imparted by these MNPs that mainly include their shape, size, functional groups and their chemical diversity. Even though multiple studies on the impacts of MNPs toxicity are available for other organisms, human cell line studies for various plastic polymers, other than the most common ones namely polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP), are still at their nascent stage and need to be explored more. In this article, we cover a concise review of the literature on the impact of these MNPs in biotic and human systems focusing on the constituents of the PPE units and the additives that are essentially used for their manufacturing. This review will subsequently identify the need to gather scientific evidence at the smaller level to help combat this microplastic pollution and induce a more in-depth understanding of its adverse effect on our existence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaheen Akhtar
- Kolkata Zonal Centre, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Kolkata 700107, West Bengal, India
| | - Kumar Pranay
- Department of Biochemistry, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna 800014, Bihar, India
| | - Kanchan Kumari
- Kolkata Zonal Centre, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Kolkata 700107, West Bengal, India
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17
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Rakib MRJ, Al Nahian S, Madadi R, Haider SMB, De-la-Torre GE, Walker TR, Jonathan MP, Cowger W, Khandaker MU, Idris AM. Spatiotemporal trends and characteristics of microplastic contamination in a large river-dominated estuary. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2023; 25:929-940. [PMID: 36939043 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00014a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic (MP) pollution is a major global issue that poses serious threats to aquatic organisms. Although research on MP pollution has been extensive, the relationship between MPs and water quality parameters in estuarine water systems is unclear. This work studied the spatiotemporal distribution and characteristics of MPs in the Karnaphuli River estuary, Bangladesh. MP abundance was calculated by towing with a plankton net (300 μm mesh size) at three river gradients (up-, mid- and downstream) and the association between physicochemical parameters of water (temperature, pH, salinity, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and dissolved oxygen) and MP distribution patterns was also investigated. Mean MP abundance in water was higher during the wet season (April) (4.33 ± 2.45 items per m3) compared to the dry season (September) (3.65 ± 2.54 items per m3). In descending order, the highest MP abundance was observed downstream (6.60 items per m3) > midstream (3.15 items per m3) > upstream (2.22 items per m3). pH during the wet season (April) and temperature during the dry season (September) were key physicochemical parameters that correlated with river MP abundance (r = -0.74 and 0.74 respectively). Indicating that if the Karnaphuli River water has low pH or high temperature, there is likely to be high MPs present in the water. Most MP particles were film-shaped, white in color, and 1-5 mm in size. Of the six polymers detected, polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and cellulose were predominant, comprising roughly 17-19% each. These results can be used to model MP transport in the freshwater ecosystem of the Karnaphuli River estuary in Bangladesh to help develop future mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.
| | - Sultan Al Nahian
- Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute, Ramu, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
| | - Reyhane Madadi
- Environmental Research Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - M P Jonathan
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C. P. 07340, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Win Cowger
- Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, Long Beach, California, USA
- University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California, USA
| | - Mayeen Uddin Khandaker
- Centre for Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of General Educational Development, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, Daffodil International University, DIU Rd, Dhaka 1341, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, 61431 Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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Karthikeyan P, Subagunasekar M, Lenin N, Prabhu K. Abundance, spatial distribution, and chemical characterization of face masks on the beaches of SE Kanyakumari, India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 192:115031. [PMID: 37210985 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a new world of waste during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this baseline study, the occurrence of PPE faces masks were assessed on the eleven beaches of Kanyakumari, India concerning the abundance, spatial distribution, and chemical characterization (ATR-FTIR spectroscopy). A total of 1593 items/m2 of PPE face masks and their mean density of 0.16 PPE/m2, ranging from 0.02 to 0.54 PPE/m2 were determined in the study area. Kanyakumari beach (n = 430 items/m2) has the highest concentration of masks (26.99 %), with a mean density of 0.54 m2 due to recreational, sewage disposal, and tourism activities. This is perhaps the most important study describing the scientific data that focuses on the significant effects of communal activities and accessibility on COVID-19 PPE face mask pollution. It also highlights the need for sufficient management facilities to optimize PPE disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Karthikeyan
- School of Marine Sciences, Department of Oceanography and Coastal Area Studies Alagappa University, Karaikudi 630 003, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695 581, Kerala, India.
| | - M Subagunasekar
- Centre for Geoinformatics, School of Health Sciences & Rural Development, The Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul 624 302, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N Lenin
- Department of Physics, Sethu Institute of Technology, Virudhunagar 626 115, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - K Prabhu
- Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, Tamil Nadu, India
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López ADF, De-la-Torre GE, Fernández Severini MD, Prieto G, Brugnoni LI, Colombo CV, Dioses-Salinas DC, Rimondino GN, Spetter CV. Chemical-analytical characterization and leaching of heavy metals associated with nanoparticles and microplastics from commercial face masks and the abundance of personal protective equipment (PPE) waste in three metropolitan cities of South America. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114997. [PMID: 37148588 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we surveyed the presence of personal protective equipment (PPE) waste on the streets of Bogotá-Colombia, Lima-Perú, and Mar del Plata-Argentina. Furthermore, this work is also focused on the release capacity of Ag, Cu, and Zn metals associated with nanoparticles, and microplastics (MPs) from textile face masks (TFMs) and disposable face masks. According to our results, an association between low-income areas and PPE waste was found, which may be related to the periodicity of waste collection and economic activity. Polymers, like polypropylene, cotton-polyester, and additives, such as CaCO3, MgO, and Ag/Cu as nanoparticles, were identified. TFMs released high levels of Cu (35,900-60,200 μg·L-1), Zn (2340-2380 μg·L-1), and MPs (4528-10,640 particles/piece). Metals associated with nanoparticles leached by face masks did not present any antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa. Our study suggests that TFMs may leach large amounts of polluting nano/micromaterials in aquatic environments with potential toxicological effects on organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A D Forero López
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - G E De-la-Torre
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Av. La Fontana 501, Lima 12, Lima, Peru
| | - M D Fernández Severini
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - G Prieto
- Departamento de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional del Sur, Av. Alem 1253, Bahía Blanca, Argentina; IFISUR, Universidad Nacional del Sur - CONICET, Av. Alem 1253, Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - L I Brugnoni
- Instituto de Ciencias Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur, INBIOSUR (UNS-CONICET), San Juan 670, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina
| | - C V Colombo
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D C Dioses-Salinas
- Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Av. La Fontana 501, Lima 12, Lima, Peru
| | - G N Rimondino
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Fisicoquímica de Córdoba (INFIQC), Departamento de Fisicoquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Ciudad Universitaria (X5000HUA), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - C V Spetter
- Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CONICET/UNS, CCT-Bahía Blanca, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, Edificio E1, Bahía Blanca B8000FWB, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), Avenida Alem 1253, B8000CPB Bahía Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Ortega F, Calero M, Rico N, Martín-Lara MA. COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) contamination in coastal areas of Granada, Spain. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 191:114908. [PMID: 37086548 PMCID: PMC10080275 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) as a control measure to avoid transmission against COVID-19 has generated a challenge to the waste management and enhances plastic pollution in the environment. The research aims to monitor the presence of PPE waste and other plastic debris, in a time interval where the use of face mask at specific places was still mandatory, on the coastal areas of Granada (Spain) which belongs to the Mediterranean Sea. Four beaches called La Rijana, La Charca, La Rábita and Calahonda were examined during different periods. The total amount of sampled waste was 17,558 plastic units. The abundance, characteristics and distribution of PPE and other plastic debris were determined. Results showed that the observed amount of total plastic debris were between 2.531·10-2 and 24.487·10-2 units per square meter, and up to 0.136·10-2 for PPE debris, where face masks represented the 92.22 % of the total PPE debris, being these results comparable to previous studies in other coastal areas in the world. On the other hand, total plastic debris densities were in the range from 2.457·10-2 to 92.219·10-2 g/m2 and densities were up to 0.732·10-2 for PPE debris. PPE debris supposed 0.79 % of the weight of total waste and the 0.51 % of total items. Concerning non-PPE plastic waste: cigarettes filters, food containers and styrofoam were the most abundant items (42.95, 10.19 and 16.37 % of total items, respectively). During vacation periods, total plastic debris amount increased 92.19 % compared to non-vacation periods. Regarding type of beaches, the presence of plastic debris was significantly higher on touristic/recreational than in fishing beaches. Data showed no significant differences between accessible and no-accessible beaches, but between periods with restrictive policy about mask face use and periods with non-restrictive policy data suggest significant differences between densities (g/m2) for PPE litter. The amount of PPEs debris is also correlated with the number of cigarettes filters (Person's r = 0.650), food containers (r = 0.782) and other debris (r = 0.63). Finally, although interesting results were provided in this study, further research is required to better understand the consequences of this type of pollution and to provide viable solutions to this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ortega
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - M Calero
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - N Rico
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - M A Martín-Lara
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
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21
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Petrescu DC, Rastegari H, Petrescu-Mag IV, Petrescu-Mag RM. Determinants of proper disposal of single-use masks: knowledge, perception, behavior, and intervention measures. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15104. [PMID: 37041977 PMCID: PMC10083004 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Although many studies testify to consumer behavior’s role in the context of waste-related sustainability objectives, little research examined what people know, think, and feel about the environmental impacts of their personal protective equipment (PPE) or their behavior towards them, in general. Therefore, the present article complements existing information about the public perceptions, knowledge, and behavior of single-use masks in a context where the pandemic has put increasing pressure on waste management public services. From February to June 2020, municipal solid waste increased ten times in Romania. The study identified the factors that predicted the proper disposal of single-use masks and the measures preferred to prevent or minimize the negative impact of single-use mask waste.
Method
Data from a representative sample of 705 Romanians were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed with SPSS and SmartPLS. The Cochran’s Q test was run to determine the existence of differences between percentages of people who preferred various measures. Dunn’s test with a Bonferroni correction was used to identify the exact pair of groups where the differences were located. The study utilized structural equation models (SEM) based on at least partial squares with SmartPLS software (3.2.8) to investigate causal links between constructs. The model considered that the dependent variable (environmentally friendly behavior: proper disposal of single-use masks) could be influenced by the knowledge, perception, behavior, and demographics variables.
Results
The findings indicated that knowledge of the type of material of single-use masks had a direct positive (β = 0.173) and significant effect on their proper disposal. The perception of mask waste impact has a negative and significant (β = −0.153, p < 0.001) impact on the proper disposal of single-use masks. This path coefficient illustrates that the worse the perceived impact of single-use masks on waste management activity, the higher the proper disposal of single-use masks. Gender has a positive (β = 0.115) and significant (p < 0.001) effect on the proper disposal of single-use masks.
Conclusions
It was concluded that the 5Rs waste management approach should be reconsidered for single-use mask waste. For example, “Reuse” and the classic “Recycle” have limited applications since they may lead to virus transmission and possible infection. “Reducing” the use of single-use masks could have repercussions on one’s health. Summing up, the study outlined recommendations for effective interventions for the proper disposal of single-use masks from the perspective of behavioral studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dacinia Crina Petrescu
- Department of Hospitality Services, Faculty of Business, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
- Department of Economy and Rural Development, Faculty of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Hamid Rastegari
- Department of Rural Development Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, Yasouj, Iran
| | - Ioan Valentin Petrescu-Mag
- Department of Engineering and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - Ruxandra Malina Petrescu-Mag
- Department of Economy and Rural Development, Faculty of Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Doctoral School “International Relations and Security Studies”, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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22
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Costa LL, Rangel DF, Zalmon IR. The presence of COVID-19 face masks in the largest hypersaline lagoon of South America is predicted by urbanization level. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 189:114746. [PMID: 36857992 PMCID: PMC9941313 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The inadequate disposal of face masks has caused a widespread presence of COVID-19 litter in the environment. We monitored 10 beach arcs along approximately 15 km of the largest hypersaline lagoon of South America looking for face masks during the lockdown (2021) and in the "new normal" (2022) period. Our working hypothesis is that the probability of finding face masks increases with higher urbanization levels, which was estimated by the Human Modification Metric. Approximately 3 × 10-3 face masks m-2 were found on nine of 10 beaches (90 %) during the lockdown. However, this reduced to 1 × 10-4 face masks m-2 found in eight beaches (80 %) after the lockdown. The probability of finding a face mask was significantly higher as urbanization increased (z = 2.799; p = 0.005). This situation imposes the need for a better waste management and environmental education actions, targeting the reduction of direct littering on coastal ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Lopes Costa
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | | | - Ilana Rosental Zalmon
- Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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23
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Oliveira AM, Patrício Silva AL, Soares AMVM, Barceló D, Duarte AC, Rocha-Santos T. Current knowledge on the presence, biodegradation, and toxicity of discarded face masks in the environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023; 11:109308. [PMID: 36643396 PMCID: PMC9832688 DOI: 10.1016/j.jece.2023.109308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, facemasks became mandatory, with a great preference for disposable ones. However, the benefits of face masks for health safety are counteracted by the environmental burden related to their improper disposal. An unprecedented influx of disposable face masks entering the environment has been reported in the last two years of the pandemic, along with their implications in natural environments in terms of their biodegradability, released contaminants and ecotoxicological effects. This critical review addresses several aspects of the current literature regarding the (bio)degradation and (eco)toxicity of face masks related contaminants, identifying uncertainties and research needs that should be addressed in future studies. While it is indisputable that face mask contamination contributes to the already alarming plastic pollution, we are still far from determining its real environmental and ecotoxicological contribution to the issue. The paucity of studies on biodegradation and ecotoxicity of face masks and related contaminants, and the uncertainties and uncontrolled variables involved during experimental procedures, are compromising eventual comparison with conventional plastic debris. Studies on the abundance and composition of face mask-released contaminants (microplastics/fibres/ chemical compounds) under pre- and post-pandemic conditions should, therefore, be encouraged, along with (bio)degradation and ecotoxicity tests considering environmentally relevant settings. To achieve this, methodological strategies should be developed to overcome technical difficulties to quantify and characterise the smallest MPs and fibres, adsorbents, and leachates to increase the environmental relevancy of the experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Oliveira
- Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ana L Patrício Silva
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Amadeu M V M Soares
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Damià Barceló
- Catalan Institute for Water research (ICRA-CERCA), H2O Building, Scientific and Technological Park of the University of Girona, Emili Grahit 101,17003 Girona, Spain
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Armando C Duarte
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Teresa Rocha-Santos
- Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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24
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Morales IDG, Macusi ED, Jondonero MAP, Guihawan JQ, Bacosa HP, Amparado RF. Facemask: Protection or threat? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114681. [PMID: 36758311 PMCID: PMC9902895 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Facemasks were widely used as a protection against SARS-COV-2, which significantly reduced COVID-19 transmission during the pandemic. However, concerns have been raised regarding its adverse impacts on human health due to intense use and mismanagement. Although rampant plastic littering was the norm before the pandemic, the magnitude of the problem is worsening as potentially COVID-19-infected facemasks are thrown along the shoreline. This study assessed the discarded facemasks on the most popular beach destinations in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines. A total of N = 284 discarded facemasks were found in a cumulative area of 22,500 m2, with an average density of 8.4 × 10-4 items/m2. The surgical facemask (82 %; n = 234) was the most abundant type of facemask found in the areas, followed by KF94 (16 %; n = 45) and KN95 (2 %; n = 5). The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed significant differences in the visual counts of facemasks on the three beaches (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilah Dianne G Morales
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines.
| | - Edison D Macusi
- Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences (IALS), Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines
| | | | - Jaime Q Guihawan
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
| | - Hernando P Bacosa
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
| | - Ruben F Amparado
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Philippines
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25
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Cueva A. Temporal considerations for an effective sampling of personal protective equipment litter derived from the COVID-19 pandemic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 858:160047. [PMID: 36356729 PMCID: PMC9640211 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Personal protective equipment (PPE) has become a new pollutant derived from the COVID-19 pandemic. Much of the efforts to characterize PPE litter has focused on its spatial distribution (i.e., trying to identify hotspots of PPE litter), however, such efforts have been limited in the temporal domain, which might result in under- or overestimations in annual projections. Here, using 55 continuous days of sampling in an urban and tropical neighborhood in south east Mexico, I show that in order to have a robust and defensible average and variance values it is needed at least 22 days of random sampling. Nonetheless, this minimum number might change in different ecosystems and land use areas of the built environment due to the temporal variability of the human behavior and activities related to the surveyed areas, as well as the influence of weather conditions that might affect the mobility of people. Furthermore, I discuss how it is recommended to report the daily average density of PPE litter (items m-2 day-1) and its variability (i.e., 95 % confidence intervals), rather than only the density of PPE litter (items m-2) in order to facilitate annual estimates of PPE litter disposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cueva
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Sustentabilidad, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Unidad Villahermosa, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.
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26
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France RL, Heung B. Density variability of COVID-19 face mask litter: A cautionary tale for pandemic PPE waste monitoring. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES 2023; 9:100220. [PMID: 36818682 PMCID: PMC9758072 DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2022.100220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite the requirement for data to be normally distributed with variance being independent of the mean, some studies of plastic litter, including COVID-19 face masks, have not tested for these assumptions before embarking on analyses using parametric statistics. Investigation of new data and secondary analyses of published literature data indicate that face masks are not normally distributed and that variances are not independent of mean densities. In consequence, it is necessary to either use nonparametric analyses or to transform data prior to undertaking parametric approaches. For the new data set, spatial and temporal variance functions indicate that according to Taylor's Power Law, the fourth-root transformation will offer most promise for stabilizing variance about the mean.
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27
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Al Nahian S, Rakib MRJ, Kumar R, Haider SMB, Sharma P, Idris AM. Distribution, characteristics, and risk assessments analysis of microplastics in shore sediments and surface water of Moheshkhali channel of Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158892. [PMID: 36411599 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic pollution in various ecosystems has gained significant attention across the globe. Due to ubiquitous abundance, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems at regional scales are polluted via uncontrolled anthropogenic actions. Therefore, this study investigates microplastic pollution and distribution in sediments and surface water of the Moheshkhali channel of Bangladesh, Bay of Bengal, along with their shape, size, color, and polymeric analysis. It has been observed that both sediments and surface water are significantly contaminated with microplastics at 14 sediments and 12 surface water sampling sites. 291 particles of microplastic were observed in two quadrants, separated 10-m away from each other, across 14 sediment sampling sites, with average concentrations registered in the range of 6.66 to 138.33 particles/m2. At the same time, 163 particles were observed across 12 sampling sites in the surface water, ranging from 0 to ~0.1 particles/m3. Various shapes, like films, fragments, fiber/lines, foams, and pellets (resins), were observed extensively in the Moheshkhali channel. Besides, various risk assessments, like contamination factors, polymeric risk assessment, pollution risk index, and pollution load index, were analyzed for each sampling site across the channel. Pollution load index (PLI) of shore sediments and surface water were 2.51 and 1.67, respectively, indicating significant pollution in the Moheshkhali channel. This research investigation provides insight into anthropogenic activities and baseline microplastic pollution in the Moheshkhali channel of Bangladesh, which helps to prepare robust strategies for conservation and management to deal with such environmental issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Al Nahian
- Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute, Ramu, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir 803116, Bihar, India
| | | | - Prabhakar Sharma
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir 803116, Bihar, India
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, 61431 Abha, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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28
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Kannan G, Mghili B, De-la-Torre GE, Kolandhasamy P, Machendiranathan M, Rajeswari MV, Saravanakumar A. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by COVID-19 pandemic in Marina Beach, the longest urban beach in Asia: Abundance, distribution, and analytical characterization. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 186:114476. [PMID: 36529014 PMCID: PMC9726691 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has enforced the use of personal protective equipment (PPE, masks and gloves). However, the mismanagement of litter are exacerbating the increasing plastic issue worldwide. In the present study, we sampled discarded PPE in 10 sites along Marina Beach, India. We characterized the litter types by chemical analysis techniques. A total of 1154 COVID-19-associated PPE items were found on Marina beach. The highest number of items were face masks (97.9 %) and the mean PPE density in the sites studied was 4 × 10-3 PPE m-2. The results demonstrate that poor solid waste management and lack of awareness are the main causes of pollution at Marina beach. FTIR spectroscopy revealed that face masks and gloves were principally made of polypropylene and latex, respectively. The FTIR spectra also showed signs of chemical degradation. Our results suggest that plastic pollution is increasing, possibly becoming more impactful to marine biota. Beach management measures were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunasekaran Kannan
- Centre for Aquaculture, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600 119, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco
| | | | - Prabhu Kolandhasamy
- Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, India
| | - Mayakrishnan Machendiranathan
- Laboratory for Coastal Ocean Variation and Disaster Prediction, College of Ocean and Meteorology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, Guangdong, China
| | | | - Ayyappan Saravanakumar
- Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Parangipettai 608502, Tamil Nadu, India
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29
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Mohamadi S, Madadi R, Rakib MRJ, De-la-Torre GE, Idris AM. Abundance and characterization of personal protective equipment (PPE) polluting Kish Island, Persian Gulf. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158678. [PMID: 36099950 PMCID: PMC9464308 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution is one of the major environmental threats the world is facing nowadays, which was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, multiple reports of single-use plastics driven by the pandemic, namely personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., face masks and gloves), contaminating coastal areas have been published. However, most studies focused solely on counting and visually characterizing this type of litter. In the present study, we complement conventional reports by characterizing this type of litter through chemical-analytical techniques. Standardized sampling procedures were carried out in Kish Island, The Persian Gulf, resulting in an average density of 2.34 × 10-4 PPE/m2. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy confirmed the polymeric composition of weathered face masks and showed the occurrence of additional absorption bands associated with the photooxidation of the polymer backbone. On the other hand, the three layers of typical surgical face masks showed different non-woven structures, as well as signs of physical degradation (ruptures, cracks, rough surfaces), possibly leading to the release of microplastics. Furthermore, elemental mapping through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy showed that the middle layer of the masks allocated more elements of external origin (e.g., Na, Cl, Ca, Mg) than the outer and inner layers. This is likely to the overall higher surface area of the middle layer. Furthermore, our evidence indicates that improperly disposed PPE is already having an impact on a number of organisms in the study area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Mohamadi
- Environmental Research Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reyhane Madadi
- Environmental Research Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.
| | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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30
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Islam MS, Phoungthong K, Islam ARMT, Ali MM, Ismail Z, Shahid S, Kabir MH, Idris AM. Sources and management of marine litter pollution along the Bay of Bengal coast of Bangladesh. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114362. [PMID: 36410195 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Marine debris is often detected everywhere in the oceans after it enters the marine ecosystems from various sources. Marine litter pollution is a major threat to the marine ecosystem in Bangladesh. A preliminary study was conducted to identify the sources of marine litter (plastics, foamed plastic, clothes, glass, ceramic, metals, paper, and cardboard) along the Bay of Bengal coast. From the observations, the range of abundance of the collected marine litter was 0.14-0.58 items/m2. From the ten sampling sites, the highest amount of marine litter was observed for aluminium cans (3500), followed by plastic bottles (3200). The spatial distribution pattern indicated that all the study areas had beach litter of all types of materials. The present investigation showed that plastics were the dominating pollutants in the marine ecosystem in Bangladesh. The clean-coast index (CCI) value indicated that the Cox's Bazar coast was clean to dirty class. The abundance, distribution, and pollution of marine litter along the coastal belts pose a potential threat to the entire ecosystem. This study will help come up with ways to manage and get rid of marine litter along the coast in an effective way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Saiful Islam
- Environmental Assessment and Technology for Hazardous Waste Management Research Center, Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90112, Thailand; Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali 8602, Bangladesh; Centre for River and Coastal Engineering (CRCE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
| | - Khamphe Phoungthong
- Environmental Assessment and Technology for Hazardous Waste Management Research Center, Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90112, Thailand.
| | | | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Zulhilmi Ismail
- Centre for River and Coastal Engineering (CRCE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Department of Water & Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Shamsuddin Shahid
- Centre for River and Coastal Engineering (CRCE), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310 Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Department of Water & Environmental Engineering, School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), 81310, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Md Humayun Kabir
- Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
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31
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Bin Mobarak M, Hossain MS, Chowdhury F, Ahmed S. Covid-19 waste facemask conundrum: A facile way of utilization through fabricating composite material with unsaturated polyester resin and evaluation of its mechanical properties. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12197. [PMID: 36531632 PMCID: PMC9737522 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) has increased profusely. Among all the PPEs, face masks are the most picked ones by the mass people for protective purpose. This spawned extensive daily use of face masks and production of masks had to augment to keep up this booming demand. Such extensive use of face masks has resulted in a huge waste generation. Lack of proper disposal, waste management and waste recycling have already led this waste to pervade in the environment. In quest of finding a solution, here in this research, a composite material was fabricated utilizing waste face mask (WFM) with unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) and the mechanical properties were evaluated. The composites were fabricated by incorporating 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5% WFM (by weight) within the UPR matrix in the shredded form following hand lay-up technique. Tensile properties, i.e., tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM) and percentage elongation at break (% EB) as well as flexural properties, i.e., bending strength (BS) and bending modulus (BM) were evaluated for the fabricated composites. According to the results obtained, the 2% WFM loaded composites showed highest values of TS, TM, BS and BM which are 31.61 N/mm2, 1551.41 N/mm2, 66.53 N/mm2 and 4632.71 N/mm2 respectively. These values of 2% WFM loaded composite are 69.58%, 107.78%, 129.49% and 152% higher than the values of the control sample (UPR). Such results depict the successfulness of WFM's incorporation as a reinforcing material in the composite materials. Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water uptake and thickness swelling tests were also carried out for the fabricated composites. FTIR of the collected WFM revealed the fiber to be of polypropylene and the existing functional groups were also identified. The SEM images confirmed the proper adhesion of WFM and UPR in terms of mechanical bonding rather than chemical bonding. Water absorption and dimension change was investigated by water uptake and thickness swelling test. To sum up, the way we have utilized WFM as a reinforcing agent in a composite material, this could be a possible solution for the face mask's waste conundrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mashrafi Bin Mobarak
- Institute of Glass & Ceramic Research and Testing (IGCRT), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sahadat Hossain
- Institute of Glass & Ceramic Research and Testing (IGCRT), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Fariha Chowdhury
- Biomedical and Toxicological Research Institute (BTRI), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Samina Ahmed
- Institute of Glass & Ceramic Research and Testing (IGCRT), Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh,BCSIR Laboratories Dhaka, Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka 1205, Bangladesh,Corresponding author
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De-la-Torre GE, Dioses-Salinas DC, Dobaradaran S, Spitz J, Nabipour I, Keshtkar M, Akhbarizadeh R, Tangestani M, Abedi D, Javanfekr F. Release of phthalate esters (PAEs) and microplastics (MPs) from face masks and gloves during the COVID-19 pandemic. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114337. [PMID: 36116495 PMCID: PMC9476362 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Marine pollution with personal protective equipment (PPE) has recently gained major attention. Multiple studies reported the release of microplastics (MPs) and chemical contaminants from face masks, the most used PPE type. However, not much is known concerning the release of phthalate esters (PAEs) in aquatic media, as well as the hazard posed by other types of PPE. In the present study, we investigated the release of MPs and PAEs from face masks and gloves recovered from the environment. The results indicated that both PPEs release MPs comparable to the literature, but higher concentrations were presented by face masks. In turn, the total concentration of six PAEs was higher in gloves than in face masks. The release of these contaminants is exacerbated over time. The present study allows researchers to understand the contribution of PPE to marine pollution while accounting for gloves, a generally overlooked source of contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen, Germany.
| | - Jörg Spitz
- Akademie Fur Menschliche Medizin GmbH, Schlangenbad, Germany
| | - Iraj Nabipour
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Keshtkar
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Student Research Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Razegheh Akhbarizadeh
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mahbubeh Tangestani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Delaram Abedi
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Javanfekr
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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Kouvara K, Papatheodorou G, Kosmopoulou A, Giovos I, Charitou A, Filippides A, Kaberi H, Kalaitzi L, Kyrkitsos F, Koundouri P, Triantafyllou C, Gletsos M, Fakiris E, Geraga M. COVID-19-related litter pollution on Greek beaches and nearshore shallow water environments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 185:114250. [PMID: 36274560 PMCID: PMC9561433 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in certain types of litter, many of which are expected to end up in the marine environment. The present study aimed to monitor the pandemic-related litter pollution along the Greek coastal environment. Overall, 59 beach and 83 underwater clean-ups were conducted. Litter was categorized as: PPE (face masks and gloves), COVID-19-related, single-use plastic (SUP) and takeaway items. PPE, dominated by face masks (86.21 %), accounted for 0.29 % of all litter. The average PPE density was 3.1 × 10-3 items m-2 and 2.59 items/ 100 m. COVID-19-related items represented 1.04 % of the total. Wet wipes showed higher densities (0.67 % of all litter) than in the pre-COVID era, while no increase in SUP and takeaway items was observed. Benthic PPE, dominated by gloves (83.95 %), represented 0.26 % of the total. The mean PPE density was 2.5 × 10-3 items m-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Kouvara
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - George Papatheodorou
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece.
| | | | - Ioannis Giovos
- iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, 54645 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Charitou
- iSea, Environmental Organization for the Preservation of the Aquatic Ecosystems, 54645 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Helen Kaberi
- Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 19013 Anavyssos, Greece
| | | | - Filippos Kyrkitsos
- Ecological Recycling Society, Νon-profit Οrganization, 10432 Athens, Greece
| | - Phoebe Koundouri
- Department of International and European Economic Studies, Athens University of Economics and Business, 10434, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Miltos Gletsos
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), 10557 Athens, Greece
| | - Elias Fakiris
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Maria Geraga
- Laboratory of Marine Geology and Physical Oceanography, Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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Ammendolia J, Saturno J, Bond AL, O'Hanlon NJ, Masden EA, James NA, Jacobs S. Tracking the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic-related debris on wildlife using digital platforms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 848:157614. [PMID: 35901900 PMCID: PMC9310380 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Since the start of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19) pandemic in December 2019, there have been global surges of single-use plastic use. Due to the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation items in protecting against virus transmission and from testing, facemasks, respirators, disposable gloves and disposable wet wipes have become global staples in households and institutions. Widespread use and insufficient infrastructure, combined with improper waste management have resulted in an emerging category of litter. With widespread presence in the environment, such items pose a direct threat to wildlife as animals can interact with them in a series of ways. We examined the scope of COVID-19 pandemic-related debris, including PPE and sanitation items, on wildlife from April 2020 to December 2021. We document the geographic occurrence of incidents, debris types, and consequences of incidents that were obtained from social media searches, unpublished reports from colleagues, and reports available from the citizen science database "Birds and Debris". There were 114 unique sightings of wildlife interactions with pandemic-related debris (38 from 2020 and 76 from 2021). Within the context of this dataset, most incidents involved birds (83.3 %), while fewer affected mammals (10.5 %), invertebrates (3.5 %), fish (1.8 %), and sea turtles (0.9 %). Sightings originated in 23 countries, and consisted mostly of entanglements (42.1 %) and nest incorporations (40.4 %). We verified sightings by contacting the original observers and were able to identify replicated sightings and increase the resolution of the data collected compared with previously published results. Due to the complexities associated with global use and accessibility of digital platforms, we likely underestimate the number of animals harmed by debris. Overall, the global scope of this study demonstrates that online and social media platforms are a valuable way to collect biologically relevant citizen science data and track rapidly emerging environmental challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Ammendolia
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Jacquelyn Saturno
- School for Resources and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Alexander L Bond
- Bird Group, The Natural History Museum, Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 6AP, UK
| | - Nina J O'Hanlon
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A Masden
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Neil A James
- Centre for Energy and the Environment, Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College - University of the Highlands and Islands, Ormlie Road, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7EE, United Kingdom
| | - Shoshanah Jacobs
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
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Dioses-Salinas DC, Pizarro-Ortega CI, Dobaradaran S, Ben-Haddad M, De-la-Torre GE. Face masks invading protected areas: Risks and recommendations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 847:157636. [PMID: 35905957 PMCID: PMC9316628 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Among the indirect environmental impacts generated by the global COVID-19 pandemic, contamination with personal protective equipment (PPE), like face masks, may be one of the most relevant ones. PPE has been found in multiple aquatic, marine, and terrestrial environments, including places of absolute relevancy to biodiversity conservation, such as protected areas (PAs). Here, a brief report of the presence of PPE in six PAs of Peru is presented. PPE pollution in PAs consisted mainly of single-use and reusable face masks, as well as plastics associated with PAs, such as KN95 respirator wrappings. The mean PPE density was estimated as 1.32 × 10-3 PPE/m2. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that face masks and wrappers mainly consisted of polypropylene and polyethylene, two of the most commonly available synthetic polymers. The material was poorly degraded according to their FTIR spectra, possibly suggesting that they were discarded recently. The recent ban on single-use plastic in Peruvian PAs is regarded as a great step forward toward the efforts made to preserve these invaluable places. However, these measures seemed insufficient to prevent PPE and other types of litter from contaminating areas of ecological importance. Considering the current scenario, several recommendations were proposed to be implemented in PAs in order to prevent PPE from becoming a new plastic issue to tackle. These recommendations are expected to also serve for future events where the use of single-use plastics becomes inevitable, like global pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sina Dobaradaran
- Systems Environmental Health and Energy Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran; Instrumental Analytical Chemistry and Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), Faculty of Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5, Essen, Germany
| | - Mohamed Ben-Haddad
- Laboratory of Aquatic Systems, Marine and Continental Environments, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Morocco
| | - Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
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Gabisa EW, Gheewala SH. Microplastics in ASEAN region countries: A review on current status and perspectives. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114118. [PMID: 36174255 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A literature assessment was conducted to determine the current state of microplastics research in ASEAN countries focusing on 1) microplastics in water, sediment, and water organisms; 2) microplastics' sources and dispersion; and 3) microplastics' environmental consequences, including human toxicity. ASEAN countries contributed only about 5 % of the global scholarly papers on microplastics, with Indonesia contributing the most followed by Malaysia and Thailand. The lack of standard harmonized sampling and processing methodologies made comparisons between research difficult. ASEAN contributes the most to plastic trash ending up in the ocean, indicating a need for more work in this region to prevent plastic pollution. Microplastics are found in every environmental compartment; however, their distribution and environmental consequences have not been sufficiently investigated. There are very few studies on microplastics in the human blood system as well as respiratory organs like the lungs, indicating that more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias W Gabisa
- The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, 126 Pracha Uthit Road, Bangkok 10140, Thailand; Centre for Energy Technology and Environment (CEE), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand; Faculty of Chemical and Food Engineering, Bahir Dar Institute of Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Shabbir H Gheewala
- The Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment, King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, 126 Pracha Uthit Road, Bangkok 10140, Thailand; Centre for Energy Technology and Environment (CEE), Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Xin X, Javid F, Anderson WA, Derraik JGB, Sullivan T, Anderson YC, Baroutian S. Hydrothermal deconstruction of single-use personal protective equipment: process design and economic performance. PROCESS SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION : TRANSACTIONS OF THE INSTITUTION OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS, PART B 2022; 166:565-573. [PMID: 36061264 PMCID: PMC9419444 DOI: 10.1016/j.psep.2022.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Increased demand for single-use personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a marked increase in the amount of PPE waste and associated environmental pollution. Developing efficient and environmentally safe technologies to manage and dispose of this PPE waste stream is imperative. We designed and evaluated a hydrothermal deconstruction technology to reduce PPE waste by up to 99% in weight. Hydrothermal deconstruction of single-use PPE waste was modelled using experimental data in Aspen Plus. Techno-economic and sensitivity analyses were conducted, and the results showed that plant scale, plant lifetime, discount rate, and labour costs were the key factors affecting overall processing costs. For a 200 kg/batch plant under optimal conditions, the cost of processing PPE waste was found to be 10 NZD/kg (6 USD/kg), which is comparable to the conventional practice of autoclaving followed by landfilling. The potential environmental impacts of this process were found to be negligible; meanwhile, this practice significantly reduced the use of limited landfill space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Xin
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Faisal Javid
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - William A Anderson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - José G B Derraik
- Department of Paediatrics: Child & Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Trudy Sullivan
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yvonne C Anderson
- Department of Paediatrics: Child & Youth Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Saeid Baroutian
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Al Nahian S, Rakib MRJ, Haider SMB, Kumar R, Walker TR, Khandaker MU, Idris AM. Baseline marine litter abundance and distribution on Saint Martin Island, Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 183:114091. [PMID: 36087485 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Baseline marine litter abundance and distribution on Saint Martin Island, Bay of Bengal, were assessed. Seventy-two transects (100-150 m) along 12 km of coastline were surveyed for litter items every two weeks for two months. The most abundant items were polythene bags, food wrappers, plastic bottles/caps, straws, styrofoam, plastic cups, plastic fragments, fishing nets, clothes, and rubber buoys. Tourism, local markets, hotels, domestic waste, and fishing activities were primary sources of marine litter. According to the mean clean coast index (CCI), all transects were clean, of which 11.3 % and 14.1 % of sandy beaches and rocky shores with sandy beaches were reported dirty, respectively. Northern Saint Martin Island comprised sandy beaches (2.8 %) and was extremely dirty. In addition, plastic abundance index (PAI) analysis showed that 24 % of sites, out of 72 sites, were under "very high abundance", 33 % were "high abundance", 33 % showed "moderate abundance", and 4 % were classified as "low abundance". Establishing baseline results of marine litter abundance and distribution on Saint Martin Island may help improve island conservation and mitigation strategies (e.g., improved waste management, beach cleaning activities to raise public awareness, local government litter reduction policies, and increase local pro-environmental behavioral change).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultan Al Nahian
- Bangladesh Oceanographic Research Institute, Ramu, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.
| | | | - Rakesh Kumar
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Mayeen Uddin Khandaker
- Centre for Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, 47500 Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of General Educational Development, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, Daffodil International University, DIU Rd, Dhaka 1341, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, 61431 Abha, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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Haque F, Fan C. Prospect of microplastic pollution control under the "New normal" concept beyond COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION 2022; 367:133027. [PMID: 35821718 PMCID: PMC9257196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.133027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to increasing demand for single-use plastic which aggravates the already existing plastic waste problem. Not only does the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) increase, but also people shift their preference to online shopping and food delivery to comply with administrative policies for COVID-19 pandemic control. The used PPEs, packaging materials, and food containers may not be handled or recycled properly after their disposal. As a result, the mismanaged plastic waste is discharged into the environment and it may pose even greater risks after breaking into smaller fragments, which was regarded as the source of secondary microplastics (MPs, < 5 mm) or nanoplastics (NPs, < 1 μm). The main objective of this manuscript is to provide a review of the studies related to microplastic release due to pandemic-associated plastic waste. This study summarizes the limited work published on the ecotoxicological/toxicological effect of MPs/NPs released from PPE on aquatic organisms, soil organisms, as well as humans. Given the current status of research on MPs from COVID-related plastic waste, the immediate research directions needed on this topic were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Haque
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd, Da-An District, Taipei, Taiwan, 10617
| | - Chihhao Fan
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Rd, Da-An District, Taipei, Taiwan, 10617
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A systemic review on liquid crystals, nanoformulations and its application for detection and treatment of SARS - CoV- 2 (COVID - 19). J Mol Liq 2022; 362:119795. [PMID: 35832289 PMCID: PMC9265145 DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 is a pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has instigated major health problems and prompted WHO to proclaim a worldwide medical emergency. The knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 fundamental structure, aetiology, its entrance mechanism, membrane hijacking and immune response against the virus, are important parameters to develop effective vaccines and medicines. Liquid crystals integrated nano-techniques and various nanoformulations were applied to tackle the severity of the virus. It was reported that nanoformulations have helped to enhance the effectiveness of presently accessible antiviral medicines or to elicit a fast immunological response against COVID-19 virus. Applications of liquid crystals, nanostructures, nanoformulations and nanotechnology in diagnosis, prevention, treatment and tailored vaccine administration against COVID-19 which will help in establishing the framework for a successful pandemic combat are reviewed. This review also focuses on limitations associated with liquid crystal-nanotechnology based systems and suggests the possible ways to address these limitations. Also, topical advancements in the ground of liquid crystals and nanostructures established diagnostics (nanosensor/biosensor) are discussed in detail.
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Islam T, Li Y, Rob MM, Cheng H. Microplastic pollution in Bangladesh: Research and management needs. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119697. [PMID: 35779661 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are omnipresent in the terrestrial and aquatic environment, and are considered as a potentially serious threat to the biodiversity and ecosystem. Pollution of plastic debris and microplastics in the inland and marine environment has raised concerns in Bangladesh, which is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. This review summarizes the research progress on separation and characterization of microplastics, as well as their occurrence and sources in Bangladesh. Despite of the first total ban on plastic bags in the world introduced back in 2002, microplastics have been ubiquitously detected in the country's inland and marine environment, with the majority of them coming from secondary sources. The microplastics observed in Bangladesh were dominated by fibers, which were derived mainly from textile sources. Polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinylchloride (PVC) were the most abundant polymers found for microplastics in the marine and freshwater environment of Bangladesh. Along with the identified research priorities to improve the understanding on the ecotoxicological effect and fate of microplastics, extensive and in-depth studies are required to bridge the knowledge gaps to enable comprehensive risk assessment of microplastic pollution on local ecosystems and human health, while effective management of plastic wastes and their recycling are necessary to alleviate this problem in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariqul Islam
- School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, Guangdong, China; MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China; Department of Agricultural Construction and Environmental Engineering, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Yanliang Li
- School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Md Mahfuzur Rob
- Department of Horticulture, Sylhet Agricultural University, Sylhet, 3100, Bangladesh
| | - Hefa Cheng
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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Sajorne RE, Cayabo GDB, Madarcos JRV, Madarcos KG, Omar DM, Ardines LB, Sabtal SA, Mabuhay-Omar JA, Cheung V, Creencia LA, Bacosa HP. Occurrence of COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) litters along the eastern coast of Palawan Island, Philippines. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 182:113934. [PMID: 35870359 PMCID: PMC9273530 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused worldwide health constraints. This study was conducted to establish a baseline monitoring survey to describe the distribution of PPE litters during the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Palawan, Philippines. A total of 386 COVID-19-related PPE items were present in 83 % of coastal sampling sites with over a cumulative area of 48,200 m2, with a density of 8 × 10-3 items m-2. The facemask (98 %; n = 377) was the primary type of PPE, followed by face shield (2 %; n = 9). Meanwhile, the daily density of PPE litters in San Manuel, Puerto Princesa ranged from 0 to 9.9 × 10-2 items m-2, with a mean density of 8 × 10-3 items m-2. The accumulation rates of PPE items ranged from 3.27 × 10-1 items to 1.143 items d-1, with an average rate of 7.29 × 10-1 items d-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Recca E Sajorne
- College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Western Philippines University-Puerto Princesa Campus, Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300, Philippines.
| | - Genese Divine B Cayabo
- College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Western Philippines University-Puerto Princesa Campus, Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300, Philippines
| | - John Roderick V Madarcos
- College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Western Philippines University-Puerto Princesa Campus, Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300, Philippines
| | - Karen G Madarcos
- College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Western Philippines University-Puerto Princesa Campus, Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300, Philippines
| | - Dawin M Omar
- College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, Palawan State University, Palawan 5300, Philippines
| | - Lucio B Ardines
- College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Western Philippines University-Puerto Princesa Campus, Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300, Philippines
| | - Serdon A Sabtal
- Main Campus Bataraza Extension (MCBE), Mindanao State University-Main Campus, Marawi, Lanao del Sur 9700, Philippines
| | - Jhonamie A Mabuhay-Omar
- College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Western Philippines University-Puerto Princesa Campus, Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300, Philippines
| | - Victoria Cheung
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, South West England PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Lota A Creencia
- College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Western Philippines University-Puerto Princesa Campus, Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300, Philippines
| | - Hernando P Bacosa
- Environmental Science Program, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan, Lanao del Norte 9200, Philippines
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43
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Prevalence of Covid-19 personal protective equipment in aquatic systems and impact on associated fauna. ENVIRONMENT SYSTEMS AND DECISIONS 2022; 42:328-337. [PMID: 35342685 PMCID: PMC8941298 DOI: 10.1007/s10669-022-09851-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The use and undesignated disposal of COVID-19 related personal protective equipments (PPEs) has resulted in a spike in the global mismanagement of plastic waste. Moreover, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has not only affected the socio-economic state of the world but is contributing significantly to the already existing aquatic pollution dilemma. Consequently, PPE litter is an emerging pollutant in aquatic ecosystems that warrants significant attention. This review endeavoured to present a synopsis of the global mismanagement of PPE waste and highlight the devastating ramifications of the ensuing environment. The paper reveals that PPE litter is indeed negatively impacting environmental systems on varying levels around the globe. Furthermore, peak plastic loads are transported by Asian rivers and are deposited into the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Beaches and seabed are the major sinks of COVID-19 PPE litter making benthic organisms to be the most vulnerable. More studies need to be undertaken to monitor aquatic resources to get a detailed overview of COVID-19 PPE litter in the environment.
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Rakib MRJ, Rahman MA, Onyena AP, Kumar R, Sarker A, Hossain MB, Islam ARMT, Islam MS, Rahman MM, Jolly YN, Idris AM, Ali MM, Bilal M, Sun X. A comprehensive review of heavy metal pollution in the coastal areas of Bangladesh: abundance, bioaccumulation, health implications, and challenges. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:67532-67558. [PMID: 35921010 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-22122-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The coastal zone of Bangladesh, with a population density of 1278 people per square kilometer, is under serious threat due to heavy metal pollution. To date, many studies have been conducted on the heavy metal contamination in soils, water, aquatic animals, and plants in the coastal zone of Bangladesh; however, the available information is dispersed. In this study, previous findings on the contamination levels, distributions, risks, and sources of heavy metals in sediments and organisms were summarized for the first time to present the overall status of heavy metal pollution along coastal regions. Earlier research found that the concentrations of various heavy metals (HMs), particularly Co, Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni in water, sediment, and fish in most coastal locations, were above their permissible limits. High concentrations of HMs were observed in sediments and water, like Cr of 55 mg/kg and 86.93 mg/l in the ship-breaking areas and Karnaphuli River, respectively, in coastal regions of Bangladesh. Heavy metals severely contaminated the Karnaphuli River estuary and ship-breaking area on the Sitakundu coast, where sediments were the ultimate sink of high concentrations of metals. Sedentary or bottom-dwelling organisms like gastropods and shrimp had higher levels of heavy metals than other organisms. As a result, the modified PRISMA review method was used to look at the critical research gap about heavy metal pollution in Bangladesh's coastal areas by analyzing the current research trends and bottlenecks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Asrafur Rahman
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Amarachi Paschaline Onyena
- Department of Marine Environment and Pollution Control, Nigeria Maritime University Okerenkoko, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- School of Ecology and Environment Studies, Nalanda University, Rajgir, 803116, Bihar, India
| | - Aniruddha Sarker
- School of Applied Biosciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - M Belal Hossain
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh
- School of Engineering and Built Environment, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Dumki, Patuakhali, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Laboratory of Environmental Health and Ecotoxicology, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh
| | - Yeasmin Nahar Jolly
- Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Chemistry Division Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Saudi Arabia
- Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mir Mohammad Ali
- Department of Aquaculture, Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh
| | - Muhammad Bilal
- School of Life Science and Food Engineering, Huaiyin Institute of Technology, Huaian, China
| | - Xian Sun
- Zhuhai Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Resources and Coastal Engineering, School of Marine Sciences, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
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Wu J, Zhao X, Gao L, Li Y, Wang D. Use of Interspecies Correlation Estimation (ICE) Models to Derive Water Quality Criteria of Microplastics for Protecting Aquatic Organisms. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10307. [PMID: 36011942 PMCID: PMC9407957 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in the water environment pose a potential threat to aquatic organisms. The Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) method was used to assess the ecological risks of microplastics on aquatic organisms in this study. However, the limited toxicity data of aquatic organisms made it impossible to derive water quality criteria (WQC) for MPs and difficult to implement an accurately ecological risk assessment. To solve the data gaps, the USEPA established the interspecies correlation estimation (ICE) model, which could predict toxicity data to a wider range of aquatic organisms and could also be utilized to develop SSD and HC5 (hazardous concentration, 5th percentile). Herein, we collected the acute toxicity data of 11 aquatic species from 10 families in 5 phyla to fit the metrical-based SSDs, meanwhile generating the ICE-based-SSDs using three surrogate species (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Hyalella Azteca, and Daphnia magna), and finally compared the above SSDs, as well as the corresponding HC5. The results showed that the measured HC5 for acute MPs toxicity data was 112.3 μg/L, and ICE-based HC5 was 167.2 μg/L, which indicated there were no significant differences between HC5 derived from measured acute and ICE-based predicted values thus the ICE model was verified as a valid approach for generating SSDs with limited toxicity data and deriving WQC for MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangyue Wu
- National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, Ministry of Natural Resource of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100194, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhao
- Department of Water Ecology and Environment, Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Lin Gao
- National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, Ministry of Natural Resource of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100194, China
| | - Yan Li
- National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, Ministry of Natural Resource of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100194, China
| | - Dan Wang
- National Marine Hazard Mitigation Service, Ministry of Natural Resource of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing 100194, China
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Uncontrolled Disposal of Used Masks Resulting in Release of Microplastics and Co-Pollutants into Environment. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14152403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The global panic caused by COVID-19 has continued to increase people’s demand for masks. However, due to inadequate management and disposal practice, these masks have, unfortunately, entered the environment and release a large amount of microplastics (MPs), posing a serious threat to the environment and human health. Understanding the occurrence of mask waste in various environments, release of mask-origin MPs, and related environmental risk is essential to mask-waste management in current and future epidemic prevention and control. This paper focuses on the global distribution of mask waste, the potential release of waste-origin MPs, and the impact on the environment. Specifically, the physical and chemical properties of polypropylene (the most common plastic material in a mask), which show a high adsorption capacity for heavy metals and organic pollutants and play a role as a support for microbial growth, were extensively reported. In addition, several important issues that need to be resolved are raised, which offers a direction for future research. This review focuses on the essentiality of handling masks to avoid potential environmental issues.
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Torre M, Kafritsa ME, Anastasopoulou A. Cross-contamination by COVID-19 mask microfibers during microlitter analysis of marine biota. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113883. [PMID: 35797811 PMCID: PMC9252514 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Face masks have been adopted as an essential measure to prevent transmission and spread of the virus infection during the pandemic of Covid-19. The present study evaluates the potential microfibers transfer from face masks to other recipients and the potential cross-contamination of samples by microfibers released from masks worn during the analysis of microlitter ingestion by fish. Results indicated that masks could easily transfer endogenous (originated from the mask tissue itself) and exogenous microfibers (with a different origin than the mask tissue itself) to other recipients (adhesive tape and air in our experiment). Exogenous fibers may be carried from everywhere and potentially released everywhere. Microfibers are also released into the air, driven by the airflow generated by breathing, and can be transferred to blanks and samples. Microfiber contamination by facial masks increases the risk of samples cross-contamination and raises concerns about the results reliability of the microlitter analysis on marine biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Torre
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Water, 46.7 Km Athens Sounio, Mavro Lithari, P.O. Box 19013, Anavissos, Attica, Greece.
| | - Maria Eleni Kafritsa
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Water, 46.7 Km Athens Sounio, Mavro Lithari, P.O. Box 19013, Anavissos, Attica, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Anastasopoulou
- Hellenic Center for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Water, 46.7 Km Athens Sounio, Mavro Lithari, P.O. Box 19013, Anavissos, Attica, Greece
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48
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Neves RAF, Seixas JTC, Rodrigues N, Santos LN. Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on solid waste pollution in the worldwide iconic Copacabana Beach (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113865. [PMID: 35759900 PMCID: PMC9217137 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Total and partial restrictions to beach access during COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity to evaluate its effect on coastal pollution. We aimed to determine the impact of access restrictions on solid waste pollution at Copacabana beach, Brazil. Solid waste amount was analyzed considering beach access restrictions: unrestricted, total closure, partial restriction, new normal. Relationships of atmospheric temperature and precipitation with access restrictions were assessed and confounding effects controlled for further analyses. Beach access restrictions significantly reduced solid waste pollution at Copacabana beach, beach closure reduced waste amount in 72 %. Partial restrictions and new normal periods have significantly reduced solid wastes amount on the beach in 60 % and 36.88 %, respectively. Qualitative data revealed that most of solid wastes were single-use plastics recently disposed at Copacabana beach, reflecting beachgoer's effects on waste left on the beach. A positive impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions was detected on solid waste pollution at Copacabana beach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel A F Neves
- Graduate Program in Neotropical Biodiversity (PPGBIO), Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Brazil; Research Group of Experimental and Applied Aquatic Ecology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Institute of Biosciences (IBIO), Avenida Pasteur 458 Lab 307, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Júlia T C Seixas
- Research Group of Experimental and Applied Aquatic Ecology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Institute of Biosciences (IBIO), Avenida Pasteur 458 Lab 307, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nathália Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Neotropical Biodiversity (PPGBIO), Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Brazil; Research Group of Experimental and Applied Aquatic Ecology, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Institute of Biosciences (IBIO), Avenida Pasteur 458 Lab 307, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luciano N Santos
- Graduate Program in Neotropical Biodiversity (PPGBIO), Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Brazil; Laboratory of Theoretical and Applied Ichthyology (LICTA), Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Institute of Biosciences (IBIO), Avenida Pasteur 458 Lab 314A, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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49
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Gunasekaran K, Mghili B, Saravanakumar A. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in coastal environment, Southeast Coast of India. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 180:113769. [PMID: 35609465 PMCID: PMC9114149 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The rise in the use of single-use plastics and personal protective equipment (PPE) has increased plastic waste in the marine environment. In this study, we surveyed the presence of PPE (face masks and gloves) discharged in 6 beaches along the coast of India. A total of 496 PPE were counted with an average density of 1.08 × 10-3 PPE m-2. The PPE density found was comparable to previous studies. Face masks were the most recorded type of PPE (98.39%), with gloves accounting for only 1.61% of the total. However, a significant reduction in the appearance of PPE was recorded on all six beaches, likely due to the increase in vaccination rates. The most contaminated places were the beaches with recreational activities + fishing. It has been noticed that the lack of awareness of environmental pollution and the negligence of the population and the mismanagement of municipal waste are the main causes of beach pollution by PPE. This study confirms the potential threat of PPE to terrestrial and aquatic organisms of multiple taxa in India, but further studies are needed to quantify the impact of this type of waste on marine animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kannan Gunasekaran
- Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science, Annamalai University, Parangipettai 608502, Tamil Nadu, India; Centre for Aquaculture, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai 600019, India
| | - Bilal Mghili
- LESCB, URL-CNRST N° 18, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Faculty of Sciences, Tetouan, Morocco.
| | - Ayyappan Saravanakumar
- Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science, Annamalai University, Parangipettai 608502, Tamil Nadu, India
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50
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Hatami T, Rakib MRJ, Madadi R, De-la-Torre GE, Idris AM. Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution in the Caspian Sea, the largest enclosed inland water body in the world. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 824:153771. [PMID: 35182619 PMCID: PMC8848538 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a still ongoing international health and sanity crisis. In the current scenario, the actions taken by the national authorities and the public prioritized measures to control the transmission of the virus, such as social distancing, and face mask-wearing. Unfortunately, due to the debilitated waste management systems and incorrect disposal of single-use face masks and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE), the occurrence of these types of items has led to the exacerbation of marine plastic pollution. Although various studies have focused on surveying marine coasts for PPE pollution, studies on inland water are largely lacking. In order to fill this knowledge gap, the present study assessed PPE pollution in the Iranian coast of the Caspian Sea, the largest enclosed inland water body in the world by following standard monitoring procedures. The results concerning the density (1.02 × 10-4 PPE/m2) composition (face masks represented 95.3% of all PPE) of PPE are comparable to previous studies in marine waters. However, a notable decrease in the occurrence of PPE was observed, probably to behavioral and seasonality reasons. The possible consequences of PPE pollution were discussed, although much more research is needed regarding the ecotoxicological aspects of secondary PPE contaminants, such as microplastics and chemical additives. It is expected that face mask mandates will be eventually halted, and PPE will stop being emitted to the environment. However, based on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 scenario, several recommendations for coastal solid waste management are provided. These are proposed to serve during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Hatami
- School of Environment, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Md Refat Jahan Rakib
- Department of Fisheries and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Noakhali Science and Technology University, Noakhali, Bangladesh.
| | - Reyhane Madadi
- Environmental Research Laboratory, School of Civil Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gabriel E De-la-Torre
- Grupo de Investigación de Biodiversidad, Medio Ambiente y Sociedad, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, Lima, Peru.
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
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