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

Cited by 684 publications

(319 citation statements)

References 90 publications

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“…The COVID-19 pandemic is also a new source of litter. A predicted increase in plastic pollution by 2030 already reveals itself in dumped gloves and masks in the environment [64]. The global increase in personal protective equipment as well as single-use plastic can intensify the issues of marine litter and the following consequences for marine biota and its biodiversity [65].…”

Section: Land-based Macroplastic: Coastal and Inland Mismanaged Plastmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Way of Macroplastic through the Environment

et al. 2020

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With the focus on microplastic in current research, macroplastic is often not further considered. Thus, this review paper is the first to analyse the entry paths, accumulation zones, and sinks of macroplastic in the aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environment by presenting transport paths and concentrations in the environment as well as related risks. This is done by applying the Source–Pathway–Receptor model on macroplastic in the environment. Based on this model, the life cycle of macroplastic is structurally described, and knowledge gaps are identified. Hence, current research aspects on macroplastic as well as a sound delimitation between macro- and microplastic that can be applied to future research are indicated. The results can be used as basic information for further research and show a qualitative assessment of the impact of macroplastic that ends up in the environment and accumulates there. Furthermore, the applied model allows for the first time a quantitative and structured approach to macroplastic in the environment.

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Section: Land-based Macroplastic: Coastal and Inland Mismanaged Plastmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Way of Macroplastic through the Environment

et al. 2020

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“…Research conducted by Patrício Silva et al [ 37 ] indicates that due to the COVID-19 pandemic we are dealing with increased plastic pollution. At the same time, the authors of this article emphasize that the number of studies in environmental sciences related to the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly smaller than in other fields, they constitute less than 3% of all studies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Marine Waste—Sources, Fate, Risks, Challenges and Research Needs

Dąbrowska

Sobota

Świąder

et al. 2021

IJERPH

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The article presents a comprehensive and cross-cutting review of key marine waste issues, taking into account: sources, fate, risks, transport pathways, threats, legislation, current challenges, and knowledge gaps. The growing amount of both human-created waste in seas and oceans and waste reaching marine ecosystems from land is one of today’s challenges for the global economy and the European Union. It is predicted that if no decisive steps are taken to limit the amount of this type of waste, there may be more plastic waste than fish in the oceans after 2050. The influence of microplastics and nanoplastics on living organisms remains undiagnosed. Within the international and EU law, solutions are being developed to properly manage waste on board ships and to reduce the impact of processes related to the recycling of the vessels on the environment. Currently, over 80% of ships are dismantled in the countries of South Asia, in conditions that threaten the environment and the safety of workers. After World War 2, large quantities of chemical weapons were deposited in the seas. Steel containers with dangerous substances residing in the sea for over 70 years have begun leaking, thus polluting water. For many years, radioactive waste had also been dumped into marine ecosystems, although since 1993 there has been a total ban on such disposal of radionuclides. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marine waste generation has also been presented as a significant factor influencing marine waste generation and management.

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“…Such the application of clean technology and effective plastic waste management system should be implemented in the next coming years. With the innovation of technology and changes in lifestyle, policies should emphatically prioritize prevention and the overall reduction of plastics( Patrício Silva et al, 2021 ).…”

Section: Discussion and Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Meanwhile, exploring effective methods for disposal and re-usage of plastic waste, and encouraging redesign and recycling plastics pollutants are extremely crucial. Before the reform and upgradation of plastics, the top priority currently is to strengthen the monitoring of plastic waste on water, landfill and terrestrial areas after the global pandemic( Patrício Silva et al, 2021 ). In addition, environmental behavior, transformation and bioaccumulation of plastic pollutants should also be considered for further research.…”

Section: Discussion and Perspectivesmentioning

confidence: 99%