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Review
. 2021 Sep 29;37(4):585-596.
doi: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0098. Print 2022 Dec 16.

Environmental impact assessment of plastic waste during the outbreak of COVID-19 and integrated strategies for its control and mitigation

Shahrah Al Qahtani  1 , Fatimah Al Wuhayb  1 , Hacene Manaa  2 , Adnan Younis  2 , Shama Sehar  1
Affiliations
Review

Environmental impact assessment of plastic waste during the outbreak of COVID-19 and integrated strategies for its control and mitigation

Shahrah Al Qahtani et al. Rev Environ Health. .

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many positive shifts have been observed in the ecosystem, with a significant decrease in the greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. On the other hand, there were unavoidable negative shifts due to a surge in demand for plastic products such as food and groceries' delivery packaging, single-use plastics, medical and personal protective equipment to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Plastic pollution can be considered as a key environmental issue in world due to the huge footprints of plastics on natural ecosystems and public health. Herein, we presented an overview on the rise of plastic pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential sources of plastic waste during COVID-19 with its negative effects on the environment such as marine ecosystems and the global economics are highlighted. We also suggested some strategies and recommendations to tackle plastic leakages by applying feedstock recycling, sterilization, and with the use of biodegradable plastics that have become a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel plastics. Also, the importance of elevating public awareness and some recommendations to mitigate plastic generated during the pandemic has been addressed as well.

Keywords: COVID-19; adverse effects; bioplastics; marine life; plastic pollution; waste management.

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