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Scientific Article details

Title Management of Used COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment: A Bibliometric Analysis and Literature Review
ID_Doc 15753
Authors Bayo, JJD; Martín-Lara, MA; Hoces, MC; Castillo, PMS; Pula, HJ; Zamorano, M
Title Management of Used COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment: A Bibliometric Analysis and Literature Review
Year 2023
Published Applied Sciences-Basel, 13, 4
DOI 10.3390/app13042377
Abstract Using a science mapping approach, we analyzed the exponential increase in the number of scientific documents about the negative environmental impacts produced by waste from personal protective equipment (PPE), especially face masks, used to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission worldwide. Our results revealed that India, China, and Canada are leaders in this research field, which is clearly related to environmental issues, but also the solutions developed from an engineering point of view. Our analysis of the most-relevant documents in the field uncovered the considerable negative effects of PPE waste in aquatic media, its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, effects on wildlife, etc. To reduce the negative environmental impacts of PPE waste, we need to implement innovative ecodesign strategies for their green production, including their re-use as and the use of recycling materials, but also a collaboration with the population to reduce PPE waste at its source. Both action lines could be materialized by establishing a collective, extended producer responsibility system for PPE to ensure their sustainable production and consumption. These well-implemented strategies will contribute to maintaining progress towards achieving sustainable development goals.
Author Keywords COVID-19; face mask; individual protection equipment; personal protective equipment; waste management
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000938805000001
WoS Category Chemistry, Multidisciplinary; Engineering, Multidisciplinary; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary; Physics, Applied
Research Area Chemistry; Engineering; Materials Science; Physics
PDF https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/4/2377/pdf?version=1676270947
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