COVID-19 disposable face masks: a precursor for synthesis of valuable bioproducts

• Published in: Environmental science and pollution research international Vol. 29; no. 57; pp. 85574 - 85576
• Main Author: Oginni, Oluwatosin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-12-2022; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aquatic Pollution; Atmospheric Protection/Air Quality Control/Air Pollution; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecotoxicology; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Environmental impact; Environmental science; Face; High density polyethylenes; Masks; Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) in Environmental Engineering; Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) in Environmental Engineering Perspective; Polymers; Prevention; Protective equipment; Waste Water Technology; Water Management; Water Pollution Control; COVID-19; Bioproducts; Pyrolysis; Disposable face masks
• ISSN: 0944-1344; 1614-7499
• DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15229-y

Disposable face mask has become a mandatory personal protective equipment in order to prevent contracting COVID-19. With the significant surge in its usage, its adverse environmental impact is becoming a source of concern. Disposable face masks are made from thermoplastic polymers, and therefore they can be safely converted into valuable bioproducts. This paper discussed the possibility of converting waste/contaminated face masks into valuable bioproducts, which will essentially eliminate secondary transmission of the coronavirus and the concerns of environmental pollution.