A study of soil contamination by residues of single-use face masks

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Publication Title
A study of soil contamination by residues of single-use face masks

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread use of single-use face masks, primarily made of plastic materials, causing significant environmental concerns, notably the potential of microplastic pollution in terrestrial and aquatic environments. This study offers a geotechnical engineering-focused examination of the environmental effects of single-use face masks on soil properties in simulated natural conditions. Soil samples compacted with different concentrations of shredded face mask fibers underwent UV radiation exposure for 6 weeks. This period was considered to be sufficient for detecting potential differences in degradation. The hydraulical properties (water retention curve and saturated permability) and the physical properties of the soil samples were measured considering the presence of shredded face mask fibers. The findings indicate a substantial decrease in soil permeability and an increase in water retention capacity upon introducing face mask fibers into the soil, suggesting potential shifts in soil structure. Additionally, prolonged UV exposure led to a reduction in the soil’s void ratio, possibly due to the degradation of soil and face mask particles into smaller fragments. These outcomes underscore the need for responsible disposal of single-use face masks and inform waste management policies, as well as highlight the need for further research into the broader environmental impacts of plastic waste on soil and water systems from a geotechnical engineering perspective.
Authors
V. A. Thomassen; Rao Martand Singh; Rafaela Cardoso

Published In

18th European Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (ECSMGE2024)

Theme

E - Environment, water and energy

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