Degradation of plastics associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pizarro-Ortega, Carlos Ivan; Dioses-Salinas, Diana Carolina; Fernández Severini, Melisa D.; Forero López, Ana D.; Rimondino, Guido Noé; Benson, Nsikak U.; Dobaradaran, Sina; De-la-Torre, Gabriel Enrique
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 176(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Microplastic -- Mask -- Protective equipment -- Pollution -- Characterization techniques; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113474
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented form of plastic pollution: personal protective equipment (PPE). Numerous studies have reported the occurrence of PPE in the marine environment. However, their degradation in the environment and consequences are poorly understood. Studies have reported that face masks, the most abundant type of PPE, are significant sources of microplastics due to their fibrous microstructure. The fibrous material (mostly consisting of polypropylene) exhibits physical changes in the environment, leading to its fracture and detachment of microfibers. Most studies have evaluated PPE degradation under controlled laboratory conditions. However, in situ degradation experiments, including the colonization of PPE, are largely lacking. Although ecotoxicological studies are largely lacking, the first attempts to understand the impact of MPs released from face masks showed various types of impacts, such as fertility and reproduction deficiencies in both aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: PPE plastics are subject to chemical and physical degradation, leading to MPs/PNPs. PPE, primarily face masks, are able to release thousands to millions of MPs/PNPs. PPE leach other contaminants, such as heavy metals and chemical additives. MPs/PNPs derived from face cause ecotoxicological effects.