Thermochemical treatment of daily COVID-19 single-use facemask waste: Power generation potential and environmental impact analysis

Cudjoe, Dan; Wang, Hong; zhu, Bangzhu

doi:10.1016/j.energy.2022.123707

Cited by 29 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 31 publications

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“…In the table, higher possible recovery was seen from respiratory masks such as N95 compared to surgical masks, which is expected because of their energy content difference, as seen above. The results of this study could help manage and treat facemask and other medical waste through the incineration method as per the recommendation of Cudjoe et al[ 45 ]. Moreover, the recent study by Skrzyniarz et al[ 46 ] concluded that pyrolysis is an effective and alternative environmental solution since facemasks have a high calorific value of up to 47.7 MJ per cubic meter.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 87%

Face mask and medical waste generation in the City of Baguio, Philippines: its current management and GHG footprint

Lunag

Abana

Agcaoili

et al. 2023

J Mater Cycles Waste Manag

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The daily use of facemask to prevent virus transmission increases the negative effect on the environment because of improper waste disposal. Due to the absence of baseline data, the impact of facemask and medical waste generation, as well as the community’s management practice, should be studied to avoid further environmental degradation. In this study, we surveyed 384 respondents and conducted computational analysis to provide an overview of the household’s facemask usage and ecological footprint in combating Covid-19. Results showed that most respondents (48.7%) use two facemasks per day. Thus, an estimated 417,834 facemasks are disposed daily, generating 3,585 kg/day of additional waste. The average medical waste of Covid-infected individuals is 3.29 kg per day per capita. This yields 22,438 kg. of CO 2 eq., which could contribute to the global warming potential; however, there is also a potential recovery of 61.572 gigajoules of energy for power generation. Most respondents are aware of proper facemask waste management practices, but some lacks application regarding responsible waste disposal. Despite the contribution of facemask to the overall solid waste generation, the city’s current management remains a challenge since disposable facemasks are potentially mixed with other types of waste from its storage, collection, and disposal. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10163-023-01601-2.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 87%

Face mask and medical waste generation in the City of Baguio, Philippines: its current management and GHG footprint

Lunag

Abana

Agcaoili

et al. 2023

J Mater Cycles Waste Manag

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…As people look to defend themselves and others from COVID-19, they purchase and dispose of vast quantities of PPE and face masks for single use. The improper dispersal of these items, such as dumping them in open areas or waterways, contributes to environmental contamination in the region ( Chowdhury et al, 2021 ; Cudjoe et al, 2022 ). In addition, the PPE and facemask waste generated by the Bay of Bengal's fishery industry is an essential source of pollution ( Abedin et al, 2022a , Abedin et al, 2022b ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%