Increased plastic pollution due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations

Silva, Ana L. Patrício; Prata, Joana C.; ‎Walker, Tony R.; Duarte, Armando C.; Ouyang, Wei; Barceló, ‪Damià; Rocha‐Santos, Teresa

doi:10.1016/j.cej.2020.126683

reviewChemical Engineering JournalAug 17, 2020HYBRID OA

Increased plastic pollution due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations

ALAna L. Patrício Silva JCJoana C. Prata TRTony R. ‎Walker ACArmando C. Duarte WOWei Ouyang

University of Aveiro · Dalhousie University · +4 more institutions

PubMed

Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

Plastics have become a severe transboundary threat to natural ecosystems and human health, with studies predicting a twofold increase in the number of plastic debris (including micro and nano-sized plastics) by 2030. However, such predictions will likely be aggravated by the excessive use and consumption of single-use plastics (including personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves) due to COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview on the effects of COVID-19 on macroplastic pollution and its potential implications on the environment and human health considering short- and long-term scenarios; addressing the main challenges and discussing potential strategies to overcome…

Citation impact

1,034

total citations

FWCI: 40.18
Percentile: 100%
References: 104

Citations per year

Authors

7

Topics & keywords

Topics

Keywords

Plastic pollution
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Pandemic
Personal protective equipment
Business
Sustainable development
Environmental planning
Consumption (sociology)

No related works found for this paper.