Environmental Impact of Single-Use Synthetic Face Mask and Its Recycling: A Sustainable Approach

Global public response to the Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has tremendously impacted health, changing lifestyles, economics, supply chains, consumption patterns, and the environment. Medical face masks (MFMs) are crucial during this pandemic as a physical barrier to fight against multiple environmental exposures, such as the SARS-Cov-2 virus, by blocking filtrate exhalations and droplets from infected individuals. However, face mask usage and disposal on the globe have been projected around 129 billion per month. Accordingly, conservationists have warned about an unprecedented threat to the earth from a novel found of non-biodegradable microplastic litter caused by single-use facemasks, inappropriate disposal, and poor management. Recycling this waste in an eco-friendly manner is therefore urgently needed. The present review compiles information on an overview of the environmental impact induced by face mask waste along with several green technologies for sustainable solutions. Various approaches such as catalytic carbonization, fiber hybridization, valorization, and modifying asphalt were contributed towards a green and high-yield route for recycling single-use face mask wastes. Recently, it is confirmed that discarded face masks accruing pollution at the global level can be used sustainably to build a greener planet by which, sustainability and a circular economy are attained, along with efficient waste management. A few recommendations were also made based on the remaining knowledge gaps in order to guide future research directions. A worldwide focus should be placed on MPs pollution resulting from face masks.