Prospect of microplastic pollution control under the New normal concept beyond COVID-19 pandemic

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 envi-ronment 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 mu m). 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.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased demand for single-use plastic, exacerbating the existing plastic waste problem. Improper disposal of used personal protective equipment (PPE), packaging materials, and food containers may result in the release of microplastics and nanoplastics into the environment, posing potential ecological and toxicological risks to aquatic organisms, soil organisms, and humans. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of COVID-related plastic waste on microplastic pollution.