|
Evaluating Environmental Impacts of Covid-19 Wastes on Coastal and Marine Areas
|
Ali Reza Radkhah   , Soheil Eagderi * , Hadi Poorbagher , Esmaeil Sadeghinejad Masouleh |
| Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran |
|
|
Abstract: (19 Views) |
The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental effects of the release of Covid-19-related wastes in coastal and marine areas. In addition, the study of socio-economic effects of this phenomenon has been considered as a sub-goal. The present research was conducted by reviewing scientific documents and searching in various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Scientific Information Database (SID) and Magiran. In this research, keywords such as covid-19, microplastics, socio-economic effects of plastics, marine and coastal areas, and ecotourism were used individually and in combination to collect appropriate scientific articles and documents. After searching, all articles and scientific references were categorized and finally analyzed. According to statistics provided by international institutions and organizations, since the outbreak of Covid-19 virus, the production of waste, especially plastics, has increased. The main cause of this phenomenon can be related to the excessive use of masks, gloves and other necessary equipment to prevent this virus and control its spread. Researches show that the release of plastic waste in marine and coastal environments leads to the endangerment of aquatic life, including fishes, so that ingestion of small particles such as microplastics leads to disruption of fish nutrition. Among the socio-economic effects caused by the release of plastic waste in coastal environments, we can mention the destruction of natural landscapes, the reduction of aesthetic value of these areas, and the stagnation of ecotourism industry. Considering that Iran is located on the margins of important waters (Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea), it is very important that management decisions are made to prevent the spread of plastic waste to these important ecological areas, especially in times of crisis (such as the outbreak of the coronavirus disease). As preventive measures, this study suggests the use of renewable plastics and the establishment and implementation of appropriate laws in this field.
|
|
| Keywords: Environmental impacts, Coronavirus disease, Medical wastes, Plastics, Marine environment |
|
|
Full-Text [PDF 1112 kb]
(12 Downloads)
|
Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2024/12/23 | Accepted: 2026/01/21 | Published: 2026/01/22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Send email to the article author |
|
|
|
| Add your comments about this article |
|
|
|
