Microplastics and other emerging contaminants in the environment after COVID-19 pandemic: The need of global reconnaissance studies.

Curr Opin Environ Sci Health

Department of Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.

Published: June 2023


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Article Abstract

Evidence of the increase of emerging contaminants in the environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectants, pharmaceuticals, etc., has enlarged. Here we explain the variety of pathways of these emerging contaminants to enter the environment, including wastewater treatment plants, improper disposal of PPE, and runoff from surfaces treated with disinfectants. We also discuss the current state-of-art of the toxicological implications of these emerging contaminants. Initial research suggests that they may have harmful effects on aquatic organisms and human health. Future directions are suggested as further research is needed to fully understand the impacts of these contaminants on the environment and humans, as well as to develop effective approaches to mitigate their potential negative effects.

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10085870PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.coesh.2023.100468DOI Listing

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