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COVID-19 Pandemic and Microplastic Pollution.

Minha Lee1, Heejung Kim1

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Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
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The COVID-19 pandemic has increased microplastic pollution due to widespread personal protective equipment (PPE) use. This review examines the impact and suggests waste management strategies for sustainable development.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Public Health
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • This surge in PPE usage, particularly single-use items, has exacerbated global waste management challenges.
  • Microplastics are a growing concern, and PPE waste contributes substantially to this environmental issue.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on microplastic production, consumption, and disposal.
  • To identify strategies for mitigating environmental pollution from increased PPE waste.
  • To prepare for a potential future where widespread PPE use becomes normalized.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications and reports on microplastic pollution and waste management.
  • Analysis of the causal link between pandemic-related PPE usage and microplastic generation.
  • Synthesis of existing and proposed waste management strategies.

Main Results:

  • The pandemic has driven a substantial rise in microplastic pollution originating from disposable PPE.
  • Current waste management systems are overwhelmed by the volume of PPE waste.
  • There is an urgent need for effective strategies to manage this escalating environmental problem.

Conclusions:

  • Effective waste management systems are crucial to address the environmental consequences of increased PPE usage.
  • Governments and organizations must implement structured monitoring for PPE distribution and disposal.
  • Proactive measures are necessary for sustainable development in the ongoing COVID-19 era and beyond.