Physical and chemical degradation of littered personal protective equipment (PPE) under simulated environmental conditions

Investigations of the physicochemical degradation of personal protective equipment (PPE) under controlled environmental conditions are largely lacking. Here the chemical and physical changes of face masks and gloves (recovered from the marine environment) were evaluated after exposure time up to 60 days of simulated environmental conditions. The results suggested that the polymer backbone of PPE suffers typical changes induced by sun exposure. Changes in the intensity of diffraction peaks indicated shifts in the crystallinity of PPE, possibly altering their thermal behavior. Signs of physical degradation in PPE, such as ruptures, and rough surfaces, which exacerbated over time were also detected. Additionally, signals of some elements of concern, such as Cu and Mo, and elements typically found in seawater were detected. The results of this study allowed us to better understand the degradation of typical PPE items in the marine environment, ultimately resulting in the release of microplastics and chemical contaminants

Degradation of plastics associated with the COVID-19 pandemic

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented form of plastic pollution: personal protective equipment (PPE). Numerous studies have reported the occurrence of PPE in the marine environment. However, their degradation in the environment and consequences are poorly understood. Studies have reported that face masks, the most abundant type of PPE, are significant sources of microplastics due to their fibrous microstructure. The fibrous material (mostly consisting of polypropylene) exhibits physical changes in the environment, leading to its fracture and detachment of microfibers. Most studies have evaluated PPE degradation under controlled laboratory conditions. However, in situ degradation experiments, including the colonization of PPE, are largely lacking. Although ecotoxicological studies are largely lacking, the first attempts to understand the impact of MPs released from face masks showed various types of impacts, such as fertility and reproduction deficiencies in both aquatic and terrestrial organisms

Are we underestimating floating microplastic pollution? A quantitative analysis of two sampling methodologies

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in the water column of several aquatic ecosystems. Thus, the sampling methodology is considered as a basic factor influencing MPs abundance. In this baseline, a total of 67 investigations were chosen to conduct a quantitative analysis between two sampling methods: Trawl and bulk. The aim is to report a general overview of the MPs abundance and characteristic differences based on the sampling procedures and provide methodological recommendations. MPs abundance reported by bulk studies is 3500 higher than trawl studies. Furthermore, the morphological types and polymers abundances were statistically affected by the type of sampling tool. Conversely, MPs size ranges were significantly different between sampling procedures, suggesting that trawling underestimates the smaller MPs fractions. The analysis confirms that the sampling methods should be selected based on the research objectives. In this sense, it is recommended to combine both types of sampling procedures to obtain comprehensive data

First record of plastiglomerates, pyroplastics, and plasticrusts in South America

Beaches in the Anthropocene carry the heavy burden of human-derived pollution, like that induced by plastic litter. For decades, plastic debris has been classified based on its source or physical size. In recent years, studies described and documented new forms of plastic formations, including plastiglomerates, plasticrusts, and pyroplastics. However, reports of these newly described formations are substantially lacking. Therefore, in the present study, we reported the first evidence of plasticrusts (plastic encrusting rock surfaces), plastiglomerates (organic/inorganic composite materials in a plastic matrix), and pyroplastics (burned and weathered plastics) in Peru. The plastic pollutants were recovered from the field through marine litter surveys on four beaches where illegal litter burning and campfires take place. All the suspected plastic formations were analyzed and confirmed using Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and one of each type was analyzed by X-Ray fluorescence (EDX) spectrometry. Plastiglomerates consisted of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) matrix with rock and sand inclusions. Pyroplastics were found in various stages of weathering and consisted of various polymers, including HDPE, PP, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamide (PA). Interestingly, our field observations suggest a new plasticrust formation pathway based on plastic burning and filling of rock crevices with molten plastic. The latter was identified as either PP or HDPE. Elements typically found in the sand and seawater (e.g., Na, Cl, Ca, Si, Fe) were identified on the surface of the plastic formations, as well as others that could potentially be associated with the leaching of additives (e.g., Ti, Br). Although the present study contributed to the knowledge concerning the occurrence of the new types of plastic formations, as well as possible formation pathways, there are still many questions to answer. Hence, we encourage future studies to focus on the toxicity that new plastic formations may induce in contrast with conventional plastics, the release of secondary contaminants (e.g., microplastics, additives), and their degradation in the environment. Lastly, standardized sampling and data treatment protocols are required

Binational survey of personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in coastal environments: Abundance, distribution, and analytical characterization

In the present contribution, two nationwide surveys of personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution were conducted in Peru and Argentina aiming to provide valuable information regarding the abundance and distribution of PPE in coastal sites. Additionally, PPE items were recovered from the environment and analyzed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and compared to brand-new PPE in order to investigate the chemical and structural degradation of PPE in the environment. PPE density (PPE m− 2 ) found in both countries were comparable to previous studies. FTIR analysis revealed multiple polymer types comprising common PPE, mainly polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyester. SEM micrographs showed clear weathering signs, such as cracks, cavities, and rough surfaces in face masks and gloves. EDX elemental mapping revealed the presence of elemental additives, such as Ca in gloves and face masks and AgNPs as an antimicrobial agent. Other metals found on the surface of PPE were Mo, P, Ti, and Zn. XRD patterns displayed a notorious decrease in the crystallinity of polypropylene face masks, which could alter its interaction with external contaminants and stability. The next steps in this line of research were discussed.Campus Lima Centr