Tracking Coronavirus 2019 pandemic-related waste generation in urban waterways

Q: How can I download an article?

To download an article from SID, first log in to the site, search for the article title, and click on the 'Download Article' option.

Q: How can I download an ISI article?

To download an ISI article on SID, enter the keyword or article title in the search bar, view the relevant results, click on the desired article, and select the 'Download Article' option.

Q: How can I access the SID database?

To access the SID database, visit SID.ir, create an account, and log in to access scientific resources.

Q: Is downloading articles from SID free?

Some articles on SID are available for free, while others require payment. Details are specified on the article's page.

Banal R.G.; Abad I.L.M.

مرکز اطلاعات علمی Scientific Information Database (SID) - Trusted Source for Research and Academic Resources

Journal Paper

Paper Information

Journal: GLOBAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND MANAGEMENT Year:2025 | Volume:11 | Issue:3 Page(s): 1163-1184

Download Full-Text

View:

Download:

Cites:

Information Journal Paper

Title

Tracking Coronavirus 2019 pandemic-related waste generation in urban waterways

Author(s)

Banal R.G. | Abad I.L.M. | Issue Writer Certificate

Keywords

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Household Waste

Non-household waste

Sustainable waste management

Waste characterization

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Coronavirus 2019 pandemic has revealed significant shortcomings in the Philippines’ solid waste management system, particularly in addressing the surge of pandemic-related waste. Unreliable waste collection, insufficient public knowledge, and improper waste disposal practices have exacerbated risks to the environment and public health. Despite these concerns, the specific impacts of Coronavirus 2019 pandemic related waste on human health and the environment in the Philippines’ context remain underexplored. This study aims to quantify Coronavirus 2019 related waste generated from both household sources and non-household establishments, assess disposal practices, characterize waste composition, determine generation rates, and classify waste types. Moreover, a comprehensive waste flow analysis will be carried out to monitor the movement of both appropriately and inappropriately managed Coronavirus 2019 waste, examining its implications on terrestrial and aquatic environments, as well as public health. Insights from the Philippines can significantly contribute to the formulation of resilient and adaptive waste management approaches in response to future public health emergencies worldwide.METHODS: Coronavirus 2019 pandemic related waste generation from both household sources and non-household establishments was quantified through a 5-day at-source waste analysis and characterization study conducted in twenty-six urban and rural barangays of General Santos City. The determination of sample sizes was conducted using conventional statistical techniques, informed by the most up-to-date census data and business establishment profiles. Structured questionnaires and checklists were used to gather information from household respondents regarding Coronavirus 2019 related waste sources, generation rates, and disposal behaviors. To determine the degree of environmental contamination related to pandemic waste, further Waste characterization was carried out in the Silway and Makar Rivers, two key urban waterways that pass through populated and commercial districts prior to their discharge into Sarangani Bay.FINDINGS: According to the Waste Analysis and Characterization Study, waste linked to the Coronavirus 2019 pandemic totals about 52,877.7 kilograms per day, which is equivalent to 1.57 percent of the city’s total daily waste. This equates to an estimated 4,654,720 discarded face masks from household sources and 633,050 from non-household establishments daily. Coronavirus 2019 pandemic related waste density in the Makar and Silway Rivers-tributaries of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape was recorded at 0.238 gram per square meters and 0.706 gram per square meters, respectively. Mainly consisting of plastic face masks, this waste poses environmental threats as possible microplastic sources, jeopardizing both marine environments and human well-being. Waste flow analysis illustrated the management pathways of Coronavirus 2019 pandemic-related waste, underscoring its significant environmental and social repercussions.CONCLUSION: The Coronavirus 2019 pandemic has highlighted critical gaps in waste management systems and the environmental and health hazards associated with emerging waste streams such as Coronavirus 2019. Mismanagement of this waste stream results in environmental damage and considerable threats to public health. The study emphasizes the pressing requirement for better waste governance, infrastructure enhancements, and public education to reduce the enduring effects of waste associated with the pandemic.

Multimedia

No record.

Cites

No record.

References

No record.

Cite

Related Journal Papers

No record.

Related Seminar Papers

No record.

Related Plans