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- Title
Review on the effects and management of personal protective equipment waste on ocean resources.
- Authors
Iddrisu, F. T.; Imoro, Z. A.; Abukari, H.; Imoro, A. Z.; Duwiejuah, A. B.; Alidu, S. M.; Amadu, Y.; Abukari, A.; Iddrisu, A.-M.
- Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has amplified the presence of single-use plastic pollutants in the ocean. Africa, for instance, used personal protective equipment (PPE) that is disposed of indiscriminately into the environment, which is usually washed into the ocean. This pollutes the ocean and consequently lowers fishery yields. Aside from improper disposal practices, single-use personal protective equipment's accumulation in the aquatic environment is caused by the absence or inadequate recycling and the lack of alternative uses for these wastes. It is estimated that globally, about 129 billion facemasks and 65 billion gloves are used each month contributing to widespread environmental pollution. This study analyzed and discussed the effects of plastic waste on the biodiversity of aquatic environments (ocean) vis a vis the management of personal protective equipments across the globe. Results from the review conducted showed that single-use personal protective equipments have the potential to release harmful chemicals, toxic substances, pathogenic microorganisms, and heavy metals into the environment and thus can hurt biodiversity and seafood security. To limit the identified negative effects, there is a need to regulate the use of single-use personal protective equipments and also promote the use of reusable masks. Educating and empowering especially coastal communities to act collectively to minimize plastic pollution (PPE) is a recommended measure for the protection of ocean resources.
- Subjects
AFRICA; PERSONAL protective equipment; MARINE resources; PERSONAL belongings; MARINE resources conservation; SINGLE-use plastics; PLASTIC scrap; OCEAN
- Publication
International Journal of Environmental Science & Technology (IJEST), 2024, Vol 21, Issue 1, p1037
- ISSN
1735-1472
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s13762-023-05093-3