Characterization of littered face masks in the southeastern part of Turkey

Abstract

A possible source of microplastics has started to be released into nature because of the single-use face masks that protect us against the spread of COVID-19 and are being thrown onto the streets and into seas and nature. This study aims to estimate the amount of face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey, thereby expressing our concerns about waste management and plastic pollution and calling on appropriate solid waste management policies and governments to take the necessary measures to formulate their strategies at all levels. In this context, the number of masks in an area of 1 km² in 3 different cities was determined theoretically and experimentally. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were also used to evaluate plastic polymer characteristics of the single-use face mask. It was determined that the three cities produce roughly 10 tons of face masks in a day. With the increasing use of single-use plastics, the impact of face masks on microplastic pollution is of great concern. Although studies on the recovery of disposable masks continue, the level is insufficient. Therefore, studies to be carried out on technologies that will enable the repeated use of masks are important.

Keywords: COVID-19; Face masks; Microplastic pollution; Soil pollution; Water pollution.

Fig. 1

Locations of the three cities in southeastern Turkey

Fig. 2

Coordinates and locations of the study area on the map

Fig. 3

Weight and percentage distribution of the 50 masks randomly selected for each city

Fig. 4

Examples of the different colors and types of masks collected from the streets of the three cities

Fig. 5

FT-IR spectra of the dominant polymer types including polypropylene (top) and polyethylene (bottom)

Fig. 6

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the face masks