COVID-19 Waste as Source of Microplastics in the Environment: Implication for Aquatic Species, Human, and Remediation Measures- A Review

Abuwatfa, W. H., Al-Muqbel, D., Al-Othman, A., Halalsheh, N. and Tawalbeh, M. (2021). Insights into the removal of microplastics from water using biochar in the era of COVID-19: A mini review. Case Stud. Chem. Environ. Eng., 4: 100151.          
Ahmadi, M., Sharifi, A., Shadi, D., Jafarzadeh, G.S. and Negar, G. (2020). Investigation of effective climatology parameters on COVID19 outbreak in Iran. Sci. Tot. Environ.,729, 138705.
Ali, M. I., Ahmed, S., Robson, G., Javed, I., Ali, N., Atiq, N. and Hameed, A. (2014). Isolation and molecular characterization of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic degrading fungal isolates. J. Basic Microbiol., 54(1), 18e27. https://doi.org/10.1002/jobm.201200496
Ali, S. S., Elsamahy, T., Koutra, E., Kornaros, M., El-Sheekh, M., Abdelkarim, E. A., Zhu, D. and Sun, J. (2021). Degradation of conventional plastic wastes in the environment: A review on current status of knowledge and future perspectives of disposal. Sci. Tot. Environ. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.scitotenv.2020.144719
Alimi, O.S., Fadare, O.O. and Okoffo, E.D. (2021). Microplastics in African ecosystems: current knowledge, abundance, associated contaminants, techniques, and research needs. Sci. Tot. Environ., 755:142422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142422
Al-Salem, S. M., Lettieri, P. and Baeyens, J. (2009). Recycling and recovery routes of plastic solid waste (PSW): A review. Waste Mgt., 29(10), 2625e2643. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2009.06.004
Ammendolia, J., Saturno, J., Brooks, A.L., Jacobs, S. and Jambeck, J.R. (2021). An emerging source of plastic pollution: environmental presence of plastic personal protective equipment (PPE) debris related to COVID-19 in a metropolitan city. Environ. Poll., 269:116160.
Amobonye, A., Bhagwat, P., Singh, S. and Pillai, S. (2020). Plastic biodegradation: Frontline microbes and their enzymes (p. 759). Sci. Tot. Environ., 759, 143536.
Amobonye, A.E., Bhagwat, P., Singh, S. and Pillai, S., (2022). Biodegradability of polyvinyl chloride in Biodegradability of conventional plastics.pp.201-214), Elsevier https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-89858-4.00017-8.    
Ansari, M., Ehrampoush, M. H., Farzadkia, M., Ahmadi, E. (2019). Dynamic assessment of economic and environmental performance index and generation, composition, environmental and human health risks of hospital solid waste in developing countries; A state of the art of review. Environ Inter., 132, 105073.
Aragaw, T.A. (2020). Surgical face masks as a potential source for microplastic pollution in the COVID-19 scenario. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 159, 111517. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.marpolbul.2020.111517.    
Ardusso, M.,, Forero-López A.D., Buzzi, N.S., Spetter, C.V. and Fernández- Severini, M.D. (2021). COVID-19 pandemic repercussions on plastic and antiviral polymeric textile causing pollution on beaches and coasts of South America. Sci. Tot. Environ., 763:144365.
Asadi-Bouvier, N., Wexler, A.S. and Ristenpart, W.D. (2020). The coronavirus pandemic and aerosols: Does COVID-19 transmit via expiratory particles? Aerosol Sci. Tech., 54, 6: 635-638.
Asim, Badiei, M. and Sopian, K. (2021). Review of the valorisation options for the proper disposal of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Environ. Technol. Innov., 23, 101797.    
Auta, H. S., Emenike, C. U., and Fauziah, S. H. (2017). Distribution and importance of microplastics in the marine environment: a review of the sources, fate, effects, and potential solutions. Environ. Inter.,102, 165-176.    
Babaahmadi, V., Hooman Amid, H., Naeimirad, M. and Ramakrishna, S. (2021). Biodegradable and multifunctional surgical face masks: A brief review on demands during COVID-19 pandemic, recent developments, and future perspectives. Sci. Tot. Environ., 798 (2021) 149233 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149233 
Bellas, J., Martínez-Armental, J., Martínez-Cámara, A., Besada, V. and Martínez-Gómez, C. (2016). Ingestion of microplastics by demersal fish from the Spanish Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Mar. Poll. Bull., 109(1), 55-60.    
Benson, N. U., Fred-Ahmadu, O. H., Bassey, D. E. and Atayero, A. A. (2021). COVID-19 pandemic and emerging plastic-based personal protective equipment waste pollution and management in Africa. J. Environ. Chem. Eng., 9(3), 105222.    
Beringui, K., Justo, E.P.S., Falco, A.D., Santa-Helena E., Rocha, W.F.C., Deroubaix, A. and Gioda A. (2022). Assessment of air quality changes during COVID-19 partial lockdown in a Brazilian metropolis: from lockdown to economic opening of Rio de Janeoro, Brazil. Air Quality, Atm. Health, 15, 1205-1220.
Bhuyan, M. (2022). Effects of Microplastics on Fish and in Human Health. Front. Environ., Sci., 250. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.827289.    
Bilal Bashir, M.F., Benghoul, M., Numan, U., Shakoor, A., Komal, B., Bashir, M.A., Bashir, M. and Tan, D. (2020). Environmental pollution and COVID-19 outbreak: insights from Germany. Air Quality, Atmo Health, 13, 1385–1394.
Bisht, V.S. and Negi, D. (2020). Microplastics in aquatic ecosystem: Sources, trophic transfer and implications. Int. J. Fish. Aquat. Stud. 8, 227–234.
Brandon, A.M., Gao, S-H., Ning, D., Yang, S.S., Zhou, J., Wu, W.M. and Criddle, C.S. (2018). Biodegradation of polyethylene and plastic mixtures in mealworms (larvae of Tenebrio molitor) and effects on the gut microbiome. Environ. Sci. Technol., 52, 6526-6533.    
Briassoulis, D., Aristopoulou, A., Bonora, M. and Verlodt, I. (2004). Degradation characterization of agricultural low-density polyethylene films. Biosyst. Eng, 88(2), 131-143.
Browne, M. A., Crump, P., Niven, S. J., Teuten, E., Tonkin, A., Galloway, T. and Thompson, R. (2011). Accumulation of microplastic on shorelines worldwide: sources and sinks. Environ. Sci. Technol., 45(21), 9175-9179.    
Bruce, N., Hartline, N., Karba, S., Ruff, B., Sonar, S. and Holden, P. (2016). Microfiber pollution and the apparel industry. University of California Santa Barbara, Bren School of Environmental Science & Management (accessed 19 Aug 2016) http://brenmicroplastics. weebly. com/uploads/5/1/7/0/51702815/bren-patagonia_final_report. pdf.    
Campanale, C., Massarelli, C., Savino, I., Locaputo, V. and Uricchio, V.F. (2020). “A Detailed Review Study on Potential Effects of Microplastics and Additives of Concern on Human Health”. pdf. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health (2020); 17(4), 1212.     
Canning-Clode, J., Sepulveda, P., Almeida, S. and Monteriro, J., (2020). Will COVID-19 containment and treatment measures drive shifts in marine litter pollution? Front. Mar. Sci. ,7:691. 
CarbonBrief (2020). As China Battles One of the Most Serious Virus Epidemics of the Century, the Impacts on the Country’s Energy Demand and Emissions Are Only Beginning to Be Felt.    
Carney Almroth, B. M., Åström, L., Roslund, S., Petersson, H., Johansson, M., and Persson, N. K. (2018). Quantifying shedding of synthetic fibers from textiles; a source of microplastics released into the environment. Environ. Sci. Poll. Res., 25(2), 1191-1199.    
Cascella, M., Rajnik, M. Aleem, A. Dulebohn, S.C. and Napoli, R. (2022). Features, Evaluation and Treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19). In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing: Treasure Island (FL)
Cassone, B.J., Grove, H.C., Elebute, O., Villanueva, S.M.P. and  LeMoine, C.M.R. (2020). Role of the intestinal microbiome in low-density polyethylene degradation by caterpillar larvae of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella. Proc. R. Soc. B., 287:20200112.    
Chakraborty, I. and Maity, P. (2020). COVID-19 outbreak: Migration, effects on society, global environment and prevention. Sci Tot. Environ., 234, 138882.    
Chaukura, N., Kefeni, K. K., Chikurunhe, I., Nyambiya, I., Gwenzi, W., Moyo, W., Nkambule, T. I., Mamba, B. B. and Abulude, F. O. (2021). Microplastics in the aquatic environment—the occurrence, sources, ecological impacts, fate, and remediation challenges. Pollut.,1(2), 95-118.    
Chen, X., Chen, X., Liu, Q., Zhao, Q., Xiong, X. and Wu, C. (2021). Used disposable face masks are significant sources of microplastics to environment. Environ. Poll., 285, 117485.    
Ciotti, M., Angeletti, S., Minieri, M., Giovannetti, M., Benvenuto, D., Pascarella, S., Sagnelli, C., Bianchi, M., Bernardini, S. and  Ciccozzi, M., (2019). COVID-19 outbreak: an overview. Chemotherapy, 215-223.
Coccia, M. (2020). Factors determining the diffusion of COVID-19 and suggested strategy to prevent future accelerated viral infectivity similar to COVID.   Sci. Tot. Environ., 729: 138474    
Cole, M., Lindeque, P., Halsband, C. and Galloway, T.S. (2011). “Microplastics as Contaminants in Marine Environment: A Review”.  Mar. Poll. Bull. 62(2011): 2588-2597.
Cole, M., Lindeque, P., Fileman E et al (2015). The impact of polystyrene microplastics on feeding, function and fecundity in the marine copepod Calanus helgolandicus. Environ. Sci. Technol., 49:1130–1137. https://doi.org/10.1021/es504525u    
Conkle J. L., Báez Del Valle, C. D. and Turner, J. W. (2017). “Are We Underestimating Microplastic Contamination in Aquatic Environments?”. pdf. Journal of Env. Mgt.     
Dai, C. (2020). “The Disruptive Effects of COVID-19 on the Aviation Industry, Food Industry, and E-commerce Industry”. Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research, vol. 155., 45P.    
Das, K. P., Sharma, D., Saha, S. and Satapathy, B. K. (2021). From outbreak of COVID-19 to launching of vaccination drive: invigorating single-use plastics, mitigation strategies, and way forward. Environ. Sci. Poll. Res., 28: 55811-55845.     
del Hombre Bueno, B. R., de los Ángeles, M., Boluda-Botella, N. and Prats Rico, D. (2019). Removal of emerging pollutants in water treatment plants: adsorption of methyl and propylparaben onto powdered activated carbon. Adsorption, 25(5), 983-999.
de Sousa, F.D.B. (2021). Plastic and its consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Environ Sci Poll. Res., 28, 46067–46078. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-15425-w
de Souza Machado, A.A., Kloas, W., Zarfl, C., Hempel, S. and Rillig, M.C. (2018). Microplastics as an emerging threat to terrestrial ecosystems. Glob. Chang. Biol. 24, 1405–1416. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14020.    
De-la-Torre, G.E., Rakib, M.D., Jahan, R., Pizarro-Ortega, C.I. and Dioses-Salinas, D.C. (2021). Occurrence of personal protective equipment (PPE) associated with the COVID-19 pandemic along the coast of Lima, Peru. Sci. Tot. Environ., 774: 145774.    
De-la-Torre, G. E. (2020). Microplastics: an emerging threat to food security and human health. J.  food Sci. Technol., 57(5), 1601-1608.
De-la-Torre, G.E. and Aragaw, T.A. (2021). What we need to know about PPE associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in the marine environment. Mar.  Poll. Bull., 163, 111879    
Dissanayake, J., Torres-Quiroz, C., Mahato, J., and Park, J. (2021). Facemasks: a looming microplastic crisis. Inter. J. Environ. Res. Pub. Health, 18(13), 7068.    
Doremalen, N., Bushmaker, T., Morris, D. H., Holbrook, M.G., Gamble, A., Williamson, B.N., Tamin, A., Harcourt, J.L., Thornburg, N.J., Gerber, S.I., Lioyd-Smith, J.O., Wit, E. and  Munster, V.J. (2020). Aerosol and Stability of HCoV-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Compared to SARS-CoV-1. N Eng. J. Med., 382:1564-1567.     
Dutheil F., Baker, J.S. and Navel, V. (2020). COVID-19 as a factor influencing air pollution? Environ. Poll., 263, 114466.    
El-Ramady, H., Brevik, E.C., Amer, M., Elsakhawy, T., Omara, A.E, Elbasiouny, H., Mosa A.A., El-Ghamry A., Bayoumi Y. and Shalaby T.A. (2020). Soil and air pollution in the era of COVID-19: A global Issue. Egypt J. Soil Sci., 60 (4): 437-448.    
Elsaida, K., Olabib, V., Sayed, E. T., Wilberforce, T. and Abdelkareem, M. A. (2021). “Effects of COVID-19 on the Environment: An Overview on Air, Water, Wastewater, and Solid Waste”. J. Environ. Mgt., 292, 112694.    
Eerkes-Medrano, D., Thompson, R. C., and Aldridge, D. C. (2015). Microplastics in freshwater systems: a review of the emerging threats, identification of knowledge gaps and prioritization of research needs. Water Res., 75, 63-82.
European Environment Agency (EEA) (2022). COVID-19: lessons for sustainability? PDF. Retrieved from https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/COVID-19-lessons-for-sustainability    
Fadare, O. O. and Okoffo, E. D. (2020). Covid-19 face masks: A potential source of microplastic fibers in the environment. Sci. Tot. Environ., 737, 140279.
Galloway, T.S., Cole, M. and Lewis, C. (2017) Interactions ofmicroplastic debris throughout the marine ecosystem. Nat Ecol. Evol., 1:0116. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-017-0116
Ganesh Kumar, A., Anjana, K., Hinduja, M., Sujitha, K. and Dharani, G. (2020). Review on plastic wastes in marine environment, Biodegradation and biotechnological solutions. Mar. Poll. Bull., 150, 110733.    
GESAMP (2015). Sources, fate and effects of microplastics in the marine environnement : a global assessment (GESAMP).
Gharde, S. and Kandasubramanian, B. (2019) Mechanothermal and chemical recycling methodologies for the Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP). Environ. Technol. Innov., 14:100311. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2019.01.005    
Ghahremanloo, M., Lops, Y., Choi, Y. and Mousavinezhad, S. (2021). Impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on air pollution levels in East Asia. Sci. Tot. Environ., 754, 142226.
Gomiero A, Strafella P, Pellini G, Salvalaggio V and Fabi G (2018) Comparative Effects of Ingested PVC Micro Particles with and Without Adsorbed Benzo(a)pyrene vs. Spiked Sediments on the Cellular and Sub Cellular Processes of the Benthic Organism Hediste diversicolor. Front. Mar. Sci. 5:99. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2018.00099
Giacomucci, L., Raddadi, N., Soccio, M., Lotti, N. and Fava, F. (2019). Polyvinyl chloride biodegradation by Pseudomonas citronellolis and Bacillus flexus. New Biotechnol., 52, 35e41. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.nbt.2019.04.005 
Giacomucci, L., Raddadi, N., Soccio, M., Lotti, N. and Fava, F. (2020). Biodegradation of polyvinyl chloride plastic films by enriched anaerobic marine consortia. Mar. Environ. Res., 158. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104949     
Gore, P.M. and Dhanshetty, M. K. B. (2016). Bionic creation of nano-engineered Janus fabric for selective oil/organic solvent absorption. RSC Adv., 6: 111250–111260. https://doi.org/10.1039/C6RA24106A    
Guzzetti E., Sureda A., Tejeda S., andFaggio C. (2018). “Microplastic in Marine Organism: Environment and Toxicological Effects.” Environ. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 64:164-171. Doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2018.10.009    
Hale, R. C., Seeley, M. E., La Guardia, M. J., Mai, L. and Zeng, E. Y. (2020). A global perspective on microplastics. J. Geophys. Res. Oceans,125(1), e2018JC014719. 
Han, J. and He, S. (2021). Need for assessing the inhalation of micro(nano)plastic debris shed from masks, respirators, and home-made face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Environ. Poll., 268, 115728.
Haque, S., Sharif, S., Masnoon, A. and Rashid, E. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 pandemic-induced PPE and single-use plastic waste generation scenario. The J. Sustain. Cir. Econs., https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X20980828.    
Hart, O. E. and Halden, R.U. (2020). “Computational Analysis of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 Surveillance by wastewater-based epidemiology locally and globally; feasibility, economy, opportunities and Challenges. Sci. Tot.  Environ., 730, 138875.     
Hartmann, N.B., Hüffer, T., Thompson, R.C., Hassellöv, M., Verschoor, A., Daugaard, A.E., Rist, S., Karlsson, T., Brennholt, N. and Cole, M. (2019). Are We Speaking the Same Language? Recommendations for a Definition and Categorization Framework for Plastic Debris. ACS Publications.    
Hashim, B.M., Al-Naseri, S.K., Al-Maliki, A. and Al-Ansari, N., (2021). Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on NO2, O3, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations and assessing air quality changes in Baghdad, Iraq. Sci. Tot Environ. 754, 141978.     
Henderson, L. and Green, C. (2020). Making sense of microplastics? Public understandings of plastic pollution. Mar. Poll. Bull., 152, 110908.     
Hermabessiere, L., Dehaut A., Paul-Pont I., Lacroix c., Jezequel R., Soudant P. and Duflos G., (2017). “Occurrence and Effects of Plastic Additives on Marine Environments and Organisms: A Review”.  Chemos., 182:781-793. 
Hernandez, L.M., Yousefi, N. and Tufenkji, N. (2017). Are there nanoplastics in your personal care  products? Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett., 4 (7),280−285. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.estlett.7b00187.
Hernandez, L.M., Xu, E.G., Larsson, H.C.E., Tahara, R., Maisuria, V.B. and Tufenkji, N. (2019). Plastic teabags release billions of microparticles and nanoparticles into tea. Environ. Sci. Technol., 53, 12300–12310. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.9b02540    
Horton, A.A., Svendsen, C., Williams, R.J., Spurgeon, D.J. and Lahive, E. (2017a). Large microplastic particles in sediments of tributaries of the River Thames, UK–abundance, sources and methods for effective quantification. Mar. Poll. Bull., 114(1), 218–226.    
Horton, A.A., Walton, A., Spurgeon, D.J., Lahive, E. and Svendsen, C., (2017b.) Microplastics in freshwater and terrestrial environments: evaluating the current understanding to identify the knowledge gaps and future research priorities. Sci. Tot Environ., 586, 127-141.
Hui, D.S., Azhar, E., Madani, T.A., Ntoumi, F., Kock R. and Dar O. (2020). “The Continuing 2019-nCoVepidermic Threat of Novel Coronaviruses to global Health-The Latest 2019 Novel coronavirus `outbreaking Wuhan, China”. Int. J. Infect. Dis., 91:264-266. 
Iheanacho, S. C. and Odo, G. E. (2020a). Neurotoxicity, oxidative stress biomarkers and haematological responses in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to polyvinyl chloride microparticles. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. Part C: Toxicol &Pharmacol, 232, 108741.
Iheanacho, S. C. and Odo, G. E. (2020b). Dietary exposure to polyvinyl chloride microparticles induced oxidative stress and hepatic damage in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Environ. Sci. Poll. Res., 27(17), 21159-21173.    
Iheanacho, S. C., Igberi, C., Amadi-Eke, A., Chinonyerem, D., Iheanacho, A. and Avwemoya, F. (2020c). Biomarkers of neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, hepatotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in Clarias gariepinus exposed to melamine and polyvinyl chloride. Biomark., 25(7), 603-610.
Iheanacho, S.C., Odo, G.E. and Ezewudo, B.I. (2021). Adulteration of Aquafeed with melamine and melamine-formaldehyde chemicals; Ex situ study of impact on hematology and antioxidant systems in Clarias gariepinus. Aquacult. Res., 52:2078–2084. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.15059
Iheanacho, S.C., Adeolu, A.I., Nwose, R., Ekpenyong, J., Offu, P., Amadi-Eke, A, ... Ogunji, J. (2021). Genotoxicity, oxidative stress and lysozyme induction in Clarias gariepinus chronically exposed to water-soluble fraction of burnt tire ash. Ecotoxicol., 30(10), 1983-1996.
Iheanacho, SC, Ekpenyong, J, Nwose, R, Adeolu, AI, Offu, P, Amadi-Eke, A, ...  Ogunji, J. (2022). Effects of burnt tire-ash on Na+/K+, Ca2+-ATPase, serum immunoglobulin and brain acetylcholinesterase activities in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Drug Chem. Toxicol., https://doi.org.10.1080/01480545.2022.2061987    
Iqbal, S., Xu J., Allen, S.D., Khan, S., Nadir, S., Arif, M.S. and Yasmeen, T. (2020). Unraveling consequences of soil micro- and nano-plastic pollution on soil-plant system: Implications for nitrogen (N) cycling and soil microbial activity. Chemos., 260, 127578. 
Issac, M.N. and Kandasubramanian, B. (2021). Effect of microplastics on water and aquatic systems. Environ. Sci. Poll. Res., 28:19544–19562.    
Iyare, P. U., Ouki, S. K. and Bond, T. (2020). Microplastics removal in wastewater treatment plants: a critical review. Environmental Science: Water Res. Technol., 6(10), 2664-2675.    
Jaiswal, S., Sharma, B. and Shukla, P. (2020). Integrated approaches in microbial degradation of plastics. Environ. Technol. Innov., 17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eti.2019.10056
Jemec, A., Horvat, P., Kunej, U., Bele, M. and Kržan, A. (2016). Uptake and effects of microplastic textile fibers on freshwater crustacean Daphnia magna. Environ. Poll., 219, 201-209.    
Jribi, S.; Ismail, H.B.; Doggui, D.; Debbabi, H. (2020). COVID-19 virus outbreak lockdown: What impacts on household food wastage?Environ. Dev. Sustain., 22, 3939–3955.     
Ju, MJ., Oh, J. and Choi, Y-H. (2021). Changes in air pollution levels after COVID-19 outbreak in Korea. Sci. Tot. Environ., 750, 141521. 
Kanniah, K.D., Zaman, N.A.F. K., Kaskaoutis, D.G. and Latif, M.T. (2020). COVID-19’s impact on the atomospheric environment in the Southern Asia region. Sci Tot. Environ., 736, 139658.
Kawai, F., Kawabata, T. and Oda, M. (2019). Current knowledge on enzymatic PET degradation and its possible application to waste stream management and other fields. Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 103(11), 4253e4268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-019-09717-y    
Kavya, N.V.L.A., Sundarrajan, S. and Ramakrishna, S. (2020). Identification and characterization of micro-plastics in the marine environment: a mini review. Mar. Poll. Bull. 160, 111704 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111704. 
Kelly, M.R., Lant, N.J., Kurr, M. and Burgess, J.G. (2019). Importance of water-volume on the release of microplastic fibers from laundry. Environ. Sci. Tech., 53, 20, 11735-11744.    
Kicinska, A., Pomykala, R. and Izquierdo-Diaz, M. (2022). “Changes in Soil pH and Mobility of Heavy Metals in Contaminated Soils”. Wiley. Euro. J. Soil Sci., 73(1): e13203.
Kim, S., Jeong, Y.D., Byun, H., Cho, G., Park, A., Jung J.H. et al. (2020). Evaluation of COVID-19 epidemic outbreak caused by temporal contact-increase in South Korea. Int J Infect. Dis., 96, 454-457. 
Klemes, J.J., Van Fan, Y., Tan, R.R. and Jiang, P. (220).  Minimizing the present and future plastic waste, energy and environmental footprints related to COVID-19. Renew., Sustain. Energy Rev., 127, 109883.     
Kumar, S. (2019). Recent developments of bio-based plasticizers and their effect on mechanical and thermal properties of poly(vinyl chloride): A review. Indust. Eng. Chem. Res., 58(27), 11659e11672. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.9b02080
Kumar, S., Getirana, A., Libonati, R., Hain, C., Mahanama, S. and Andela, N., (2022). Changes in land use enhance the sensitivity of tropical ecosystems to fire-climate extremes. Sci rep., 12, 964.    
Kutralam-Muniasamy, G., Pérez-Guevara, F. and Shruti, V. C. (2022). A critical synthesis of current peer-reviewed literature on the environmental and human health impacts of COVID-19 PPE litter: new findings and next steps. J. Haz. Mater., 422, 126945.    
Lai, M. M. and Cavanagh, D. (1997). The molecular biology of coronaviruses. Adv.Virus Res., 1-100.    
Lal, R. (2020). Home gardening and urban agriculture for advancing food and nutritional security in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Food Security, 12, 871- 876.    
Lambert, S., Sinclair, C. J., Bradley, E. L. and Boxall, A. B. (2013). Environmental fate of processed natural rubber latex. Environ. Sci.: Processes and Impacts, 15(7), 1359-1368.
Li, L., Xu, G., Yu, H. and Xing, J. (2018b) Dynamic membrane for micro-particle removal in wastewater treatment: performance and influencing factors. Sci. Tot. Environ., 627:332–340.    
Li, D., Shi, Y., Yang, L., Xiao, L., Kehoe, D. K., Gun’ko, Y. K., land, J.J. and Wang, J. J. (2020). Microplastic release from the degradation of polypropylene feeding bottles during infant formula preparation. Natr. food, 1(11), 746-754.     
Liu, Y., Jia, X., Zhu, H., Zhang, Q., He, Y., Shen, Y., Xu, X. and Li, J. (2022). The effects of exposure to microplastics on grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) at the physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic levels. Chemos, 286, 131831.    
Liu, Y., Zhang, J., Tang, Y., He, Y., Li, Y., You, J., Breider, F., Tao, S. and Liu, W. (2021). Effects of anthropogenic discharge and hydraulic deposition on the distribution and accumulation of microplastics in surface sediments of a typical seagoing river: the Haihe River. J. Haz. Mater., 404, 124180. 
Lo, H.K.A. and Chan, K.Y.K. (2018). Negative effects of microplastic exposure on growth and development of Crepidula onyx. Environ. Poll., 233: 588–595. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.10.095    
Lu, L., Wan, Z., Luo, T., Fu, Z. and Jin, Y. (2020). Polystyrene microplastics induce gut microbiota dysbiosis and hepatic lipid metabolism disorder in mice. Sci. Tot. Environ, 631, 449-458.    
Lu, Y., Zhang, Y., Deng, Y., Jiang, W., Zhao, Y., Geng, J., Ding, L. and Ren, H. (2016). Uptake and accumulation of polystyrene microplastics in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and toxic effects in liver. Environ. Sci.Technol., 50(7), 4054-4060.    
Ma, J., Chen, F., Xu, H., Jiang, H., Liu, J., Li, P., Chen, C.C. and Pan K. (2021). Face masks as a source of nanoplastics and microplastics in the environment: Quantification, characterization, and potential for bioaccumulation. Environ. Poll., 288, 117748.    
Magnusson, K., Eliaeson, K., Fråne, A., Haikonen, K., Olshammar, M., Stadmark, J. and Hultén, J. (2016). Swedish sources and pathways for microplastics to the marine environment: microplastic particles in sediments of tributaries of the River Thames, UK–abundance, sources and methods for effective quantification. Mar. Poll. Bull., 114(1), 218–226.    
Mallik, A., Xavier, K.A.M.,Naidu, B.C. and Nayak, B.B. (2021). Ecotoxicological and physiological risks of microplastics on fish and their possible mitigation measures. Sci. Total Environ., 779, 146433.
Malpede, M. and Percoco M. (2021). Lockdown measures and air quality: evidence from Italian provinces. Lett. Spatial  Res. Sci., 14, 101-110.    
Masindi, V., Mkhonza, P. and Tekere, M. (2021). “Sources of Heavy Metals Pollution”. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339974686. 
Mason, S.A., Welch, V.G. and Neratko, J. (2018). Synthetic polymer contamination in bottled water. Front. Chem.,6. 3452. https://doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2018.00407    
Mathalon, A. and Hill, P. (2014). Microplastic fibers in the intertidal ecosystem surrounding Halifax Harbor, Nova Scotia. Mar. Poll. Bull., 81(1), 69-79.    
Matusiak, Ł., Szepietowska, M., Krajewski, P., Białynicki‐Birula, R., and Szepietowski, J. C. (2020). Inconveniences due to the use of face masks during the COVID‐19 pandemic: a survey study of 876 young people. Dermatologic therapy.    
Meaza I., Toyoda JH., Wise JP, (2021). Microplastics in Sea Turtles, marine mammals and humans: A one environmental health perspective. Front. Environ. Sci., 8: 575614. 
Mei, X., Lee H., Diao, K., Huang, M., Lin, B.,M  Lin C. et al. (2020). Artificial intelligence-enabled rapid diagnosis of patients with COVID-19. Natur. Med., 26, 1224-1228.    
Miranda-Urbina, D., Thiel, M. and Luna-Jorquera, G. (2015). Litter and seabirds found across a longitudinal gradient in the South Pacific Ocean.  Mar. Poll. Bull., 96, 2, 235-244.     
Mishra AK., Rajput P., Singh A., Singh CK. and Mall, R.K. (2021). Effect of Lockdown amid COVID-19 on ambient air quality in 16 Indian cities. Frontier on Sustain., 3:705051.
Moharir, R. V. and Kumar, S. (2019). Challenges associated with plastic waste disposal and allied microbial routes for its effective degradation: A comprehensive review. J. Clean Prod., 208, 65e76. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.10.059    
Monolina, P., Chowdhury, M. H. and Haque, M. (2022). The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and associated environmental challenges: A study on Dhaka, Bangladesh. Heliyon. 8: e09847.     
Mor, S., Kumar, S., Singh, T., Dogra, S., Pandey, V. and Ravindra, K.(2021). “Impact of COVID- 19 lockdown on air quality in Chandigarh, India: understanding the emission sources during controlled anthropogenic activities”. Chemos., 263, 127978.     
Mvovo, I. and Magagula, H. (2022). Prevalence of Covid-19 personal protective equipment in aquatic systems and impact on associated fauna. Environ. Syst. Decisions. 42, 328-337.    
Napper, I. E. and Thompson, R. C. (2016). Release of synthetic microplastic plastic fibres from domestic washing machines: Effects of fabric type and washing conditions. Mar. Poll. Bull., 112(1-2), 39-45.    
NASA, (2020). Airborne Nitrogen Dioxide Plummets over China.    
Neckel, A., Korcelski C. and Silva, L.F.O,   (2021).Mtals in the soil of urban cemeteries in Carazinho (South Brazil) in view of the increase in deaths from COVID-19: Projects for cemeteries to mitigate environmental impacts.Environ. Dev. Sustain. 10, 1-24.     
Neto, H. G., Bantel, C. G., Browning, J., Della Fina, N., Ballabio, T. A., de Santana, F. T., e Britto M. D.b, Barbosa CB. and Barbosa, C. B. (2021). Mortality of a juvenile Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus, Spheniscidae) associated with the ingestion of a PFF-2 protective mask during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mar. Poll. Bull., 166, 112232
Nigam, R., Pandya, K., Luis, A.J., Sengupta, R. and Kotha, M., (2021). Positive effects of COVID-19 lockdown on airquality of in dustrial cities (Ankleshwar andVapi) of Western India, Sci. Rep., 11, 4285.    
Ng, E.L., Lwanga E.H., Eldridge S.M., Johnson P., Hu H.W., Geissen V. and Chen D. (2018). An overview of microplastics and nanoplatic pollution in agroecosystems. Sci. Tot. Environ., 627, 1377-1388.
Nordic Council (2017). Aims to stimulate circular economy, combat microplastic pollution. Nordic, 2017
Ogunji, J., Iheanacho, S., Ogunji, C.V., Olaolu, M., Oleforuh-Okoleh, V., Amaechi, N.,David, E., Ndukauba, O.,Ikegwu, T.M. and Biamba, C. (20201). Counting the Cost: The Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Households in South East Nigeria. Sustain., 13, 12417. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132212417
Okoro, N, Iheanacho SC, Nwakpa JN, Eze, C (2019). Effects of Chromolaena odorata leaf extract on behavior and haematology of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Afr. J.  Aquat. Sci., 44, 421–427. https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2019. 1661823.
Olaiya, T.T. (2022). “End COVID-19 vaccine inequalities, AHF tells EU-AU summit”. The Guardian Newspapers. Retrieved from https://guardian.ng/news/end-COVID-19-vaccine-inequalities-ahf-tells-eu-au-summit/    
Olusola, J.A., Shote, A.A., Ouigmane, A. and Isaifan, R.J. (2021). The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on nitrogen dioxide levels in Nigeria.  PeerJ, 9: e11387
Othman, A. R., Hasan, H. A., Muhamad, M. H., Ismail, N. I. and Sheikh Abdullah, S. R. (2021). Microbial degradation of microplastics by enzymatic processes: A review. Environ. Chem. Lett. https:// doi.org/10.1007/s10311-021-01197-9    
Parashar N. and Hait S. (2021). Plastics in the time of COVID-19 pandemic: protector or polluter? Sci. Total Environ.;759:144274. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144274. 
Padervand, M., Lichtfouse, E., Robert, D., and Wang, C. (2020). Removal of microplastics from the environment. A review. Environ Chem Lett. 18(3), 807-828.
Park, H. and Park, B., (2021). Review of microplastic distribution, toxicity, analysis methods, and removal technologies. Water, 13, 2736.    
Peng, B. Y., Chen, Z., Chen, J., Yu, H., Zhou, X., Criddle, C. S., Wu, W.-M. and Zhang, Y. (2020). Biodegradation of polyvinylchloride (PVC) in Tenebrio molitor (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae. Environ. Intern., 145, 106106.    
Pellini G., Gomiero A., Fortibuoni T., Ferrà C., Grati F., Tassetti N., et al. (2018). Characterization of microplastic litter in the gastrointestinal tract of Soleasolea from the Adriatic Sea. Environ. Pollut., 234, 943–952.doi: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.12.038
Pico, Y. and Barcelo, D. (2019). Analysis and prevention of microplastics pollution in water: Current perspectives and future directions. Acs Omega, 4: 6709-6719.
Plastics Europe (2018). Plastics—the Facts 2018. An Analysis of European Plastics Production, Demand and Waste Data. Brussels: Plastics Europe.        
Prata, J.C., Silva, A.L.P., Da Costa, J.P., Mouneyrac, C., Walker, T.R., Duarte, A.C. and Rocha-Santos, T. (2019. Solutions and integrated strategies for the control and mitigation of plastic and microplastic pollution. Inter. J. Environ. Res.  Public Health, 16, 2411.
Prata, J. C., Silva, A. L., Walker, T. R., Duarte, A. C. and Rocha-Santos, T. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic repercussions on the use and management of plastics. Environ. Sci.  Technol., 54(13), 7760-7765.
Prata, J.C., Silva, A.L.P., Duarte, A.C. and Rocha-Santos, T. (2021). Disposable over reusable face masks: Public safety or environmental disaster? Environ, 8, 31.
Praveena, S. and Aris, A.Z. (2021). The impacts of COVID-19 on the environmental sustainability: a perspective from the Southeast Asian region. Environ Sci. Poll. Res., 28, 63829-63836.    
Qadri, H., and Bhaf, R.A. (2020). The Concerns for Global Sustainability of Freshwater Ecosystems (eds.), Fresh Water Pollution Dynamics and Remediation.    
Qian, H., Zhang, Q., Lu, T., Peijnenburg, W.J.G.M., Penuelas, J. and Zhu Y. (2020). Learns learned from COVID-19 on potentially pathogenic soil microorganisms. Soil Ecol. Lett., 3:55,681.    
Querol, X., Massague, J., Alastuey, A.,, Moreno, T., Gangoiti G. et al. (2021). Lessons from the COVID-19 air pollution decrease in Spain: Now what?. Sci. Tot. Environ., 779, 146380.    
Ragossnig, A. M. and Agamuthu, P. (2021). Plastic waste: Challenges and opportunities. Waste Mgt. Res., 39(5), 629-630.
Ragusa, A., Svelato, A., Santacroce, C. et al (2021). Plasticenta: first evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environ. Int., 146:106274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106274
Rajhans, A., Gore, P.M., Siddique, S.K. and Kandasubramanian, B. (2019). Ion imprinted nanofibers of PVDF/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate for dynamic recovery of europium (III) ions from mimicked effluent. J. Environ. Chem. Eng., 7:103068. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2019.103068
Rajmohan, K. V. S., Ramya, C., Raja Viswanathan, M., and Varjani, S. (2019). Plastic pollutants: Effective waste management for pollution control and abatement. Curr. Opin in Environ. Sci. Health, 12, 72e84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coesh.2019.08.006    
Rakib, M. R. J., De-la-Torre, G. E., Pizarro-Ortega, C. I., Dioses-Salinas, D. C and Al-Nahian, S. (2021). Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in Cox’s Bazar, the longest natural beach in the world. Mar. Poll. Bull., 169, 112497.    
Ray, S.S., Lee H.K., Huyen D.T.T., Chenb S.S and Kwon, Y.N. (2022). “Microplastics waste in environment: A perspective on recycling issues from PPE kits and face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Environ. Technol. Innov., 26, 102290.
Raynaud, J. (2014). Valuing plastics: The business case for measuring, managing and disclosing plastic use in the consumer goods industry. UNEP.    
Remy, F., Collard, F., Gilbert, B., Compère, P., Eppe, G. and Lepoint, G. (2015). When microplastic is not plastic: the ingestion of artificial cellulose fibers by macrofauna living in seagrass macrophyto-detritus. Environ. Sci. Technol., 49(18), 11158-11166.
Restrepo-Flo´rez, J. M., Bassi, A. and Thompson, M. R. (2014). Microbial degradation and deterioration of polyethylene - a review. Inter. Biodeter. Biodegrad., 88, 83e90. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.ibiod.2013.12.014
Rhee, S. W. (2020). Management of used personal protective equipment and wastes related to COVID-19 in South Korea. Waste Mgt.   Res., 38(8), 820-824.    
Rochman, C. M., Tahir, A., Williams, S. L., Baxa, D. V., Lam, R., Miller, J. T., Teh, F.C., Werorilangi, S. and Teh, S. J. (2015). Anthropogenic debris in seafood: Plastic debris and fibers from textiles in fish and bivalves sold for human consumption. Sci. Rep., 5(1), 1-10.
Rume T. and Islam S.M.D. (2020). “Environmental Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic and Potential Strategies of Sustainability”. Heliyon, 6(9): e04965.     
de Sá, LC, Oliveira M, Ribeiro F et al. (2018). Studies of the effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms: What do we know and where should we focus our efforts in the future? Sci. Tot. Environ., 645: 1029–1039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.207
Saadat, S., Rawtani, D. and Hussain, C. M. (2020). Environmental perspective of COVID-19, Sci. Tot. Environ., 728: 138870. 
Sah, A., Negi, H., Kapri, A., Anwar, S. and Goel, R. (2011). Comparative shelf life and efficacy of LDPE and PVC degrading bacterial consortia under bioformulation. Ekologija, 57(2), 55e61. https://doi.org/10.6001/ ekologija. v57i2.1885
Saha, M., Naik, A., Desai, A. et al (2021). Microplastics in seafood as an emerging threat to marine environment: a case study in Goa, west coast of India. Chemos., 270:129359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.129359    
Saliu, F., Veronelli, M., Raguso, C., Barana, D, Galli, P. and Lasagni, M. (2021). The release process of microfibers: from surgical face masks into the marine environment. Environ. Adv., 4:100042.    
Selvaranjan, K., Navaratnam, S., Rajeev P. and Ravintherakumaran N. (2021). Environmental challenges induced by extensive use of face masks during COVID-19: a review and potential solutions. Environ. Challenge. (3), 100039.     
Selvam, S., Manisha, A., Venkatramanan, S. et al (2020). Microplastic presence in commercial marine sea salts: a baseline study alongTuticorin Coastal salt pan stations, Gulf of Mannar, South India. Mar. Poll. Bull., 150:110675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul. 2019.110675
Sharma, S., Basu, S., Shetti, N.P., Nadagouda, M.N. and Aminabhavi, T.M. (2021). Microplsatics in the environment: occurrence, perils and eradication. Chem Eng. J., 408, 127317.
Shukla, S., Khan, R., Saxena, A. and Sekar, S. (2022).  Microplastics from face masks: A potential hazard post Covid-19 pandemic. Chemos., 302, 134805.
Siam, M., Banna, H., Nishat, N. H., Ahmed, A. and Hossain, M. S. (2020). Stopping the COVID-19 pandemic: a review on the advances of diagnosis, treatment, and control measures. J. Pathogens, 20, 145.
Singh, R. and Pant, D. (2016). Polyvinyl chloride degradation by hybrid (chemical and biological) modification. Polymer Degrad. Stability, 123, 80e87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2015.11.012
Silva, A. L. P., Prata, J. C., Walker, T. R., Duarte, A. C., Ouyang, W., Barcelò, D. and Rocha-Santos, T. (2021). Increased plastic pollution due to COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and recommendations. Chem. Eng. J., 405, 126683
Smith, M., Love, D.C., Rochman, C.M. and Neff, R.A. (2018). Microplastics in seafood and the implications for human health. Curr Environ Heal Rep., 5:375–386. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-018-0206-z
Stokes, G. (2020). No Shortage of Masks at the Beach - OCEANS ASIA [WWW Document]. OceanAsia. URL https://oceansasia.org/beach-mask-coronavirus/ (accessed 10.27.20)    
Syberg, K., Khan, F. R., Selck, H., Palmqvist, A., Banta, G. T., Daley, J., et al. (2015). Microplastics: addressing ecological risk through lessons learned. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 34, 945–953. 
Taghavi, N., Singhal, N., Zhuang, W. Q. and Baroutian, S. (2021). Degradation of plastic waste using stimulated and naturally occurring microbial strains. Chemos., 263. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.chemosphere.2020.127975 
Thevenon, F., Carroll, C. and Sousa, J. (2014). Plastic debris in the ocean: the characterization of marine plastics and their environmental impacts, situation analysis report. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN, 52.
Thind, P. S., Sareen, A., Singh, D. D., Singh, S. and John, S. (2021). Compromising situation of India’s bio-medical waste incineration units during pandemic outbreak of COVID-19: Associated environmental-health impacts and mitigation measures. Environ. Poll., 276, 116621. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.envpol.2021.116621
Tokatli, C. and Varol, M. (2021). Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown period on surface water quality in the Meric-Ergene River Basin, Northwest Turkey. Environ. Res., 197, 111051.     
Tong, H., Jiang, Q., Hu, X. and Zhong, X. (2020). Occurrence and identification of microplastics in tap water from China. Chemos., 252:126493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126493
Torres, F.G., Dioses-Salinas, D.C., Pizarro-Ortega, C.I. and De-la- Torre, G.E. (2021). Sorption of chemical contaminants on degradable and non-degradable microplastics: recent progress and research trends. Sci. Tot. Environ., 757:143875.
UNSCN-United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition. Food Environments in the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020). Available online: https://www.unscn.org/en/news-events/recent-news?idnews=2040/ (accessed on 16 April 2020).    
Urban, R. C., Nakada, L. Y. K. (2021). COVID-19 pandemic: Solid waste and environmental impacts in Brazil. Sci. the Total Environ., 755, 142471.    
Van Cauwenberghe, L. and Janssen, C. R. (2014). Microplastics in bivalves cultured for human consumption. Environ. Poll., 193, 65-70.    
Van Doremalen, N., Bushmaker, T., Morris, D. H., Holbrook, M. G., Gamble, A., Williamson, B. N., Tamin, A., Harcourt, J.L., Thornburg, N.J., Gerber, S.I. and Lloyd-Smith, J.O. Munster, V. J. (2020). Aerosol and surface stability of SARS-CoV-2 as compared with SARS-CoV-1. New England J. Med., 382(16), 1564-1567.
Vollmer, I., Jenks, M. J. F., Roelands, M. C. P., White, R. J., van Harmelen, T., de Wild, P., van der Laan, G. P., Meirer, F., Keurentjes, J. T. F. and Weckhuysen, B. M. (2020). Beyond mechanical recycling: Giving new life to plastic waste. Angewandte Chemie - International Edition, 59(36), 15402e15423. https://doi.org/10.1002/ anie.201915651    
Wagner, M. and Lambert, S. (Eds) (2018). “Freshwater Microplastics; Emerging Environmental Contaminants?”; in The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry.
Walker, T. (2021). Microplastics and the UN sustainable development goals. Current Opinion  Green  Sustain. Chem., 30, 100497.     
Wang, W. and Wang, J. (2018). Investigation of microplastics in aquatic environments: an overview of the methods used, from field sampling to laboratory analysis. TrAC Trends in Analyt. Chem., 108, 195-202.    
Wang, W., Ge, J., Yu, X. and Li, H. (2020). Environmental fate and impacts of microplastics in soil ecosystems: progress and perspective. Sci. Tot. Environ., 708, 134841.        
Weis, J. S. (2020). Aquatic microplastic research-a critique and suggestions for the future. Water, 12(5), 1475.
Wertz, J. T. and Be´chade, B. (2020). Symbiont-mediated degradation of dietary carbon sources in social herbivorous insects. In Advances in insect Physiology. Academic Press Inc. https://doi.org/10.1016/ bs.aiip.2020.04.001
Wingender, J. and Flemming, H.C. (2011). Biofilms in drinking water and their role as reservoir for pathogens. Int. J. Hyg. Environ. Health 214, 417–423. https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.ijheh.2011.05.009.    
WHO, (2020). Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: Implications for Infection Prevention Precautions: Scientific Brief. Retrieved from: https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/transmission-of-sars-cov-2-implications-for-infection-prevention-precautions    
WHO, (2022). “WHO Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard”. Retrieved from: https://covid19.who.int/    
Wu, X., Pan, J., Li, M., Li, Y., Bartlam, M. and Wang, Y. (2019). Selective enrichment of bacterial pathogens by microplastic biofilm. Water Res., 165, 114979. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.114979.
Wu, H., Huang, J., Zhang, C.J.P. et al (2020). Facemask shortage and the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak: Reflections on public health measures. EClinicalMedicine 21:100329. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100329
Xu B., Liu F., Cryder Z., Huang D., Lu Z., He Y., Wang H., Lu Z., Brookes P.C, Tang C., Gan J., and Xu. (2020). Microplastics in the soil environment: Occurrence, risks, interactions and fate, a review. Critical Rev. Environ. Sci. Technol., 50, 212175-2222.
Xu, S., Ma, J., Ji, M., Pan, K. and Miao, A. (2020b). Microplastics in aquatic environments: occurrence, accumulation and biological effects. Sci. Total Environ., 703, 134699.
Xu, Z., Xia, M., Huo, Y. X. and Yang, Y. (2020). Intestinirhabdus alba gen. Nov., sp. nov., a novel genus of the family enterobacteriaceae, isolated from the gut of plastic-eating larvae of the coleoptera insect Zophobas atratus. Inter J. Sys Evol. Microbiol., 70(9), 4951e4959. https:// doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.004364
Yadav, D., Mahestavari, H. and Chandra, U. (2020). Outbreak prediction of COVID-19 in most susceptible countries. Global J. Environ. Sci. Mgt., 6, 4-10.
Yahaya, T., Abdulazeez, A., Oladele, E., Funmilayo, W. E., Dikko, O.C., Ja’afar, U. and Salisu, N. (2022). Microplastics abundance, characteristics and risk in Badagry Lagoon in Lagos State, Nigeria. Poll., 8(4):1325-1337. 
Yang, S. S. and Wu, W. M. (2020). Biodegradation of plastics in Tenebrio genus (mealworms). In Handbook of environmental Chemistry (Vol. 95, pp. 385e422). Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2020_457     
Yang L., Zhang Y., Kang S., Wang Z. and Wu C. (2021). Microplastics in soil: A review on methods, occurrence, sources, and potential risk. Sci. Tot. Environ., 780, 146546.
Yang, S.S., Ding, M.Q., He, L., Zhang, C.H., Li, Q.X., Xing, D.F., Cao, G.L., Zhao, L., Ding, J., Ren, N.Q. and Wu, W.-M. (2021). Biodegradation of polypropylene by yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and superworms (Zophobas atratus) via gut-microbe-dependent depolymerization. Sci. Tot. Environ., 756, 144087. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.14408    
Yong, C.Q., Valiyaveetil S. and Tang, B.L. (2020). Toxicity of microplastics and nanoplastics in mammalian systems. Int. J.  Environ. Res. Public Health, 17 (5), 1509.    
Yuan, F., Yue, L., Zhao, H., and Wu, H. (2020). Study on the adsorption of polystyrene microplastics by three-dimensional reduced graphene oxide. Water Sci. Technol., 81(10), 2163-2175.
Yusoff, F., Abdullah, A.F., Aris A.Z. and Umi, W.A.D., (2021). Impacts of COVID-19 on the aquatic environment and implication on aquatic food production. Sustain., 13 20, 11281.    
Zettler, E. R., Mincer, T. J. and Amaral-Zettler, L. A. (2013). Life in the “plastisphere”: microbial communities on plastic marine debris. Environ. Sci. Technol., 47(13), 7137-7146.    
Zhang, C., Chen, X., Wang, J. and Tan, L. (2017). Toxic effects of microplastic on marine microalgae Skeletonema costatum: interactions between microplastic and algae. Environ. Poll., 220, 1282-1288.
Zhang, D., Liu, X., Huang, W. et al (2020). Microplastic pollution in deepsea sediments and organisms of the Western Pacific Ocean. Environ Poll., 259:113948. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.113948