Microplastics waste in environment: A perspective on recycling issues from PPE kits and face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the extensive use of face masks and protective personal equipment (PPE) kits has led to increasing degree of microplastic pollution (MP) because they are typically discarded into the seas, rivers, streets, and other parts of the environment. Currently, microplastic (MP) pollution has a negative impact on the environment because of high-level fragmentation. Typically, MP pollution can be detected by various techniques, such as microscopic analysis, density separation, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. However, there are limited studies on disposable face masks and PPE kits. A wide range of marine species ingest MPs in the form of fibers and fragments, which directly affect the environment and human health; thus, more research and development are needed on the effect of MP pollution on human health. This article provides a perspective on the origin and distribution of MP pollution in waterbodies (e.g., rivers, ponds, lakes, and seas) and wastewater treatment plants, and reviews the possible remediation of MP pollution related to the excessive disposal of face masks and PPE kits to aquatic environments. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V.

Automated summary

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the extensive use of face masks and PPE kits has contributed to the increasing level of microplastic pollution in the environment. Research on the impact of disposable face masks and PPE kits on microplastic pollution is limited. It is important to investigate the effects of microplastic pollution on human health and explore solutions to reduce pollution caused by the disposal of masks and PPE in aquatic environments.