Estimating marine plastic pollution from COVID-19 face masks in coastal regions

Face masks are playing an essential role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Face masks such as N95, and surgical masks, contain a considerable portion of non-recyclable plastic material. Marine plastic pollution is likely to increase due to the rapid use and improper dispensing of face masks, but...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2021-07, Vol.168, p.112419-112419, Article 112419
Main Authors: Chowdhury, Hemal, Chowdhury, Tamal, Sait, Sadiq M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Coastal regions
Coastal zone
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Datasets
Debris
Face
Face masks
Humans
Investment
Marine pollution
Masks
Microplastic pollution
Oceans
Oceans and Seas
Plastic debris
Plastic pollution
Plastics
Pollution
Protective equipment
Recyclable materials
Regions
SARS-CoV-2
Solid waste management
Solid wastes
Waste management
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Summary:Face masks are playing an essential role in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Face masks such as N95, and surgical masks, contain a considerable portion of non-recyclable plastic material. Marine plastic pollution is likely to increase due to the rapid use and improper dispensing of face masks, but until now, no extensive quantitative estimation exists for coastal regions. Linking behaviour dataset on face mask usage and solid waste management dataset, this study estimates annual face mask utilization and plastic pollution from mismanaged face masks in coastal regions of 46 countries. It is estimated that approximately 0.15 million tons to 0.39 million tons of plastic debris could end up in global oceans within a year. With lower waste management facilities, the number of plastic debris entering the ocean will rise. Significant investments are required from global communities in improving the waste management facilities for better disposal of masks and solid waste. •Estimation of daily & annual face masks usage by coastal population of 46 countries•Behavioural data on face masks usage and solid waste management data are used.•Mismanaged plastic waste from face masks are also determined.•About 0.15 MT to 0.39 MT plastic debris may enter global oceans.•Significant efforts are required to protect our oceans.
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112419