Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University

Bhavan’s Leelavati Munshi College of Education

Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi
(Recognised by NCTE and affiliated to GGSIPU)
BACHELOR OF EDUCATION
2022-24

SEMESTER – IV

Course Title- Environmental Education

Course Code- BED 216

Submitted to- Submitted by-

Dr. Shalini Gupta Khushboo (06155602122)
Tanushri (07355602122)
Ayushi Ananya
(08255602122)
 Fatima Abidi
(09155602122)

Study the impact of Bio-medical waste on Marine Eco system in

India
Abstract
Excessive population outbursts and associated xenobiotic interventions contribute
overproduction of waste materials across the world. Among these waste materials biomedical
wastes (BMW) make a significant contribution. The huge accumulation of BMW is not only
meant for successive environmental pollution but increases health hazards by cross-
contamination and reoccurrence of different fatal infections. The management of BMW
gaining continuous attention to the scientific communities for their intriguing potentiality
towards public health concerns. In this situation, the sudden prevalence of pandemic like,
COVID-19 further worsens such conditions. Huge disposition of medical wastes during
COVID-19 detection, treatment, and precautionary measures not only increases the risk of
reoccurrence of infection but puts us also in front of a huge challenge of efficient
management of these BMW.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not only challenged healthcare systems but has also
significantly impacted waste management practices, particularly concerning marine and
biomedical waste in India. This study delves into the notable increase in marine waste and
biomedical waste during the pandemic period, focusing on the Indian context. The findings
reveal a substantial surge in biomedical waste generation, primarily attributed to the
heightened use of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, and disposable
items. This surge in biomedical waste has posed significant challenges in waste handling,
segregation, and disposal, particularly in coastal areas and regions with high healthcare
infrastructure. Moreover, the study examines the implications of this increase in marine and
biomedical waste on environmental sustainability, public health, and marine ecosystems. It
discusses the potential risks to marine life, coastal communities, and the overall ecosystem
due to improper disposal practices and inadequate waste management infrastructure. The
study emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced waste management strategies, including
efficient biomedical waste treatment facilities, public awareness campaigns on proper waste
disposal practices, and policy interventions to regulate waste generation and ensure
environmental protection. Addressing these challenges is crucial to safeguarding public
health and preserving marine ecosystems amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and
beyond.
Keywords: Marine pollution, environment, biomedical waste, Covid-19 pandemic, municipal
solid waste, personal protective equipment, policy equipment, single-use equipment

Introduction
Corona viral disease outbreak has been considered a major Threat to human life in the recent
past. This viral disease had started its journey from Wuhan, China in late 2019. Hence, the
disease is called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although China was the primary
epicentre of the disease,
Later this virus spread all over the world at a rapid irruption rate. On 30 th January 2020,
World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared COVID-19 as an international
Public health emergency. This new disease has changed every equation of normal human life
and put the most Evolved advanced human life in front of many questions. Coronaviruses
(CoVs) are the group of positive-sense RNA Viruses which cause respiratory tract infections
in humans. This respiratory illness ranges from mild common cold-like Symptoms to severe
respiratory pneumonic symptoms. The Recent COVID-19 has caused by SARS-CoV-2
(severe acute Respiratory syndrome corona virus-2) which followed the Infection path of
SARS-CoV during 2002 and the emergence Of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome
Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) during 2012 (Meo et al., 2020). Present SARS-CoV-2 is far more
infectious than previous SARS-CoV but mortality is low (2%-3%) as compared to the
previous one (Petersen et al., 2020). It has been noted that genomic variations in SARS CoV-
2 are associated with infection rate and Mortality of the same (Toyoshima et al., 2020).
Recently Emerging variants are showing alarming infectivity and com-Munity transmission
(Davies et al., 2021). COVID-19 has also a huge long-term effect on our environment which
in turn will affect all the life forms diversely. Although, at present health issues are our
primary concern but broad ignorance on environmental issues will return to many future
fatalities. Among much other xenobiotic waste, Biomedical wastes (BMWs) possess acute
concerns in their Management and risks. The waste management system particularly the
BMW management system is not up to the mark in many developing countries (Shammi
et al., 2021). The improper disposal and management system leads to major Environmental
and health-associated risks to mankind. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation
far ahead. The generation of BMWs has increased manifold across the Globe. According to
the world health organization (WHO), 85% of the total health care waste is non-toxic and
only 15% Are toxic health-care-waste), but the present pandemic has changed The scenario
completely. Highly populous countries exhibited more strenuous situations. Hubei province
in China Alone possesses a 600% increase in BMWs (Haque et2021). India possesses a 46%
gross increase in BMWs across The country in past two months in previous year (April and
May 2021) and the number is still increasing in this context, the present review focus on
General concepts of BMW, their management strategies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in India, marine litter has emerged as a significant concern,
especially regarding its classification as biomedical waste. The improper disposal of personal
protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves, has contributed to the increase in
marine litter, posing serious threats to aquatic life and environmental health. This issue
necessitates urgent attention and effective waste management strategies to mitigate the
adverse impact on marine ecosystems and public health. The surge in biomedical waste,
including discarded PPE, amid the COVID-19 crisis has heightened the challenge of marine
litter in India. Improper disposal practices have led to PPE items finding their way into water
bodies, endangering marine life and ecosystems. This situation demands immediate action to
implement stringent waste management protocols, raise awareness about responsible disposal
practices, and promote sustainable alternatives to reduce the environmental footprint of
healthcare-related waste during these challenging times.

Marine litter
Land-based human activities eventually lands up in the oceans and is referred-to be the
generic term, ‘marine litter’, also known as ‘marine debris’. The UN defines this as “items
that have been made or used by people and deliberately discarded into the sea or rivers or on
beaches; brought indirectly to the sea with rivers, sewage, storm water or winds; or
accidentally lost, including material lost at sea in bad weather.” Almost 80% of marine debris
consists of plastics in one form or another. The term “Marine Litter” has been introduced to
describe discarded, disposed of, or abandoned man-made objects present in the marine and
coastal environment. It consists of articles that have been made or used by people and,
subsequently, deliberately discarded or accidentally lost.
They originate from ocean-based (fishing vessels, cargo ships, stationary platforms, fish
farming installations, pleasure crafts and other vessels) or land-based sources (littering,
dumping, poor waste management practices, untreated sewage and storm water discharges,
riverine inputs, industrial facilities, tourism, extreme natural events) and can be found all
around the globe. Most sources of marine pollution are land based and some studies indicate
that up to 80% of marine litter originates from land.

Biomedical waste
Bio-medical waste means “any solid and/or liquid waste produced during diagnosis,
treatment or vaccination of human beings or animals. Biomedical waste creates hazard due
to two principal reasons: infectivity and toxicity.
Biomedical waste or hospital waste is any kind of waste containing infectious (or potentially
infectious) materials generated during the treatment of humans or animals as well as during
research involving biologics.[1] It may also include waste associated with the generation of
biomedical waste that visually appears to be of medical or laboratory origin (e.g. packaging,
unused bandages, infusion kits etc.), as well research laboratory waste containing
biomolecules or organisms that are mainly restricted from environmental release. As detailed
below, discarded sharps are considered biomedical waste whether they are contaminated or
not, due to the possibility of being contaminated with blood and their propensity to cause
injury when not properly contained and disposed.

BMW generation scenario in India before COVID-19 outbreak

India generates about 619 t/day of BMW. Figures 3 and 4 Show the state/UT wise generation
of BMW for the year2019. The top five states that generated 47% of BMW were Karnataka,
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala. Among all states, Karnataka generated
the highest BMW, accounting for 77.5 t/day, and Arunachal Pradesh generated the lowest
quantity, 0.4 t/day. Among all UTs, Delhi generated the highest BMW, i.e., 28.8 t/day, and
Lakshadweep generated the lowest quantity of BMW, 0.1 t/Day (CPCB 2019b).
Increase in BMW during the COVID-19 Pandemic
In India, the composition and distribution of BMW are highly Variable which depends on
various factors. These include the Efficiency of segregation at source, knowledge of
healthcare Workers, accessibility, and availability of CBMWFTs. Studies also indicate that
the generation and type of BMW also depend on HCFs, recyclable and reusable items, the
number of Patients handled daily, etc. (Devi et al. 2019; Thind et al. 2021). Due to the
COVID-19 outbreak, the sharp increase of PPEs, other medical gears, etc., have drastically
affected the Waste management system. More than 340 M passengers were Handled by
airports in India during 2020, which includes 274 M domestic and 66 M international
passengers. Due to COVID-19, all the airlines started providing PPE kits to the Passengers. It
means, approximately 340 M aprons, facemasks, face shields, gloves, sanitizer sachets were
used by Air travellers in India 588028/passengers-boarded-by-type-by-Indian-air-
carriers/).India requires about 2.5 M of PPE kits every day to combat the Spread of COVID-
19 virus (Parashar and Hait 2021). The Material composition of PPEs include about 20–25%
by Weight of plastic, especially PP (Singh et al. 2020a). This vast Quantity of plastic is
destined for landfilling or incineration thus causes environmental pollution. Figures 6, 7, and
8 show the COVID-19-based BMW (CBMW) generation in Indian states/UTs during
September 2020 and May 2021. The major contributing states/UTs to. C-BMW during the 1 st
wave (September 2020) were Gujrat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, West
Bengal, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, which Contributed about 80% of the
total C-BMW. The average CBMW generation was 183 t/day during September 2020.During
the 2nd wave (May 2021), the average C-BMW generation was 203 t/day. The top
contributing states/UTs were Kerala, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Lakshadweep generated the
lowest quantity of C-BMW during both waves, 10 kg/day (CPCB 2020a).

Contribution of COVID 19 in Marine biomedical waste in India

COVID-19 biomedical waste (BMW) has significantly contributed to marine waste in India.
Reports indicate that BMW accounts for approximately 10-15% of total waste generated
during the pandemic. This includes items such as masks, gloves, PPE kits, and medical
equipment. Improper disposal practices, including dumping in landfills or water bodies, lack
of proper segregation, and inadequate treatment facilities, have contributed to this problem.
The impact on marine ecosystems is alarming, with marine life facing risks of ingestion,
entanglement, and exposure to hazardous materials, ultimately affecting biodiversity and
ecosystem health. Efforts are underway to raise awareness, improve waste management
infrastructure, and implement stricter regulations to address this issue effectively.
COVID-19 biomedical waste (BMW) has emerged as a significant contributor to marine
waste in India, constituting approximately 10-15% of the total waste generated during the
pandemic. This category of waste encompasses various items such as masks, gloves, PPE
kits, and medical equipment used in healthcare facilities and by the general public.
Pondicherry Union territory and Tamil Nadu is located southern part of India, connected to
the Bay of Bengal on the east (Fig. 1). The Tamil Nadu is third largest coastal state of India
and it has 1076 km of long coastal length, with an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 1.9
lakh Km2, contributing 5.209 million tons of fish production. This coastal region widely used
for fishing, culture tourism and recreational activities. Thus these activities are represent a
major source of plastic and micro plastic pollution entering the marine environment (Sathish
et al., 2019; Jeyasanta et al., 2020; Vidyasakar et al., 2020). The occurrence of PPE was
carried out in Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu beaches. According to the field observations, the
present study have evaluated the major activities carried out in each sampling stations,
categorized as recreational activities, fishing, and both recreational activities and fishing
activities. In order to assess the PPE pollution in Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu coast, the
present study has examined 6 sampling stations for 3 months. These sampling site are well
scattered and representative of part of the Southeast coast of India. To standardize the PPE
observing, the methodology carried out on the coast of Peru and Bangladesh was followed
(De-la-Torre et al., 2021b; Rakib et al., 2021). In each and every sampling site, numerous
parallel transects (separated by 6–8 m between transect) covering the whole extent of the
beach were established. The number and length of transects were differed based on the beach
size and morphology of their total length. The sampling method consists of walking along
each transect, visually scanning the environments, and recognized the PPE items, which were
classified as face masks, face shields, bouffant caps, and gloves. All of the PPE items were
photographed

Rationale
Research on marine waste during the COVID-19 pandemic in India is of paramount
importance due to its multifaceted impacts and the urgent need for comprehensive
understanding and action.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant changes in human behaviour and
consumption patterns, leading to a surge in the use of disposable goods like masks, gloves,
and packaging materials. This increase in single-use plastics and other non-biodegradable
items has directly contributed to marine waste pollution, as improper disposal practices often
result in these items ending up in water bodies, including rivers, seas, and oceans. India’s
waste management infrastructure has faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic,
particularly with the substantial increase in medical waste generated by healthcare facilities.
This includes not only PPE but also other medical supplies and equipment, all of which
require proper disposal to prevent environmental contamination.
The altered consumer behaviour, driven by safety concerns and lockdown measures, has also
impacted waste generation. The shift towards online shopping and food delivery services has
led to a rise in packaging materials and single-use plastics, further exacerbating the marine
waste problem. The environmental consequences of marine waste are profound, especially for
India’s diverse marine ecosystems. Coastal areas, mangroves, coral reefs, and marine wildlife
are all at risk due to plastic pollution. Marine animals can ingest plastics, leading to internal
injuries, starvation, and death. Additionally, plastics and other waste materials can entangle
marine species, causing physical harm and impairing their mobility and survival.
Beyond environmental concerns, there are also significant public health implications
associated with improper disposal of COVID-19-related waste. Used masks, gloves, and
other contaminated items can serve as vectors for diseases and pollutants, posing risks to both
marine life and human health. Addressing marine waste during COVID-19 requires a holistic
approach that encompasses scientific research, policy interventions, public awareness
campaigns, and community engagement. Evaluating the effectiveness of existing waste
management policies and regulations is crucial to identifying gaps and implementing targeted
solutions.
Moreover, this research presents opportunities for innovation in waste management
technologies and practices. Biodegradable materials, recycling initiatives, and community-
driven clean-up efforts can all contribute to mitigating marine waste pollution and promoting
sustainability.
Educational initiatives and awareness campaigns are also essential components of addressing
marine waste. By informing the public about the link between pandemic-related waste and
marine pollution, individuals and institutions can adopt more responsible waste management
practices and support initiatives for a cleaner marine environment. Research on marine waste
during COVID-19 in India is not only a scientific endeavour but also a moral and ethical
imperative. It is a call to action to protect our oceans, safeguard marine ecosystems, and
ensure the well-being of present and future generations.

Objective and Scope of Study

Here are some objectives of research study of biomedical waste during COVID 19:
 To study the increasing proportion of Biochemical wastes in water bodies During
covid 19
Data from waste audits and studies show a shift in the Composition of biomedical waste, with
a higher proportion Of PPE, single-use plastics, and disposable medical supplies Compared to
pre-pandemic levels.
 To determine the level of threat Posed on aquatic animals due to Marine litter
Evaluating behavioural changes, aiming to understand the immediate and long-term Threats
to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
 To analyse the current situation of Water bodies Investigate the extent and
composition of marine
Litter in water bodies during the COVID-19 Pandemic, focusing on identifying sources,
Distribution patterns, and ecological impacts to inform effective mitigation strategies and
policy Interventions for preserving aquatic ecosystems and safeguarding public health.
 To analyse the current situation of Water bodies Investigate the extent and
composition of marine
Litter in water bodies during the COVID-19 Pandemic, focusing on identifying sources,
Distribution patterns, and ecological impacts to inform effective mitigation strategies and
policy Interventions for preserving aquatic ecosystems and Safeguarding public health.
 Characterize Types and Sources of Biomedical Waste:
Identify and quantify the types and sources of biomedical waste entering marine ecosystems
during The COVID-19 pandemic. This includes PPE (personal Protective equipment) such as
masks, gloves, gowns, and other medical disposables.
 Evaluate Ecological and Public Health Risks:
Assess the potential ecological and public Health risks associated with the presence of
biomedical waste in marine ecosystems. Examine impacts on marine organisms, habitats, and
the broader ecosystem functioning.
 Analyse Policy and Regulatory Responses:
Review existing policies and regulations governing the management and disposal of
biomedical waste during the pandemic. Evaluate the effectiveness of Measures in preventing
marine contamination and Ecosystem damage.
 Explore Innovative Waste Management Solutions:
Investigate novel technologies and strategies for the proper disposal, treatment, and
Recycling of biomedical waste to minimize its environmental footprint. Propose innovative
approaches tailored to marine environments.
 To promote sustainable consumer behaviour that is less harmful to the marine
environment and more resilient to future crises.
Formulate recommendations for policymakers, industries, and communities to better prepare
for and respond to similar crises affecting marine environments. Highlight strategies for
sustainable waste management in a post-pandemic world
 Develop Recommendations for Mitigation and Prevention:
Based on research findings, formulate recommendations for policymakers, healthcare
institutions, and waste management authorities to mitigate the impacts of biomedical waste
on marine ecosystems. Advocate for improved waste reduction and disposal strategies.
 To spread awareness regarding the harmful effects of marine pollution on human lives
and other organisms
Spreading awareness related to the effects of marine pollution is the key element of the whole
study so that appropriate actions can be taken place to reduce his kind of waste in the
environment.

Research Questions
The central research question of this proposal is focused on quantifying the increase in
biomedical marine waste due to COVID-19 in India. The research seeks to understand the
magnitude of this increase by examining data and conducting comparative analyses of
biomedical marine waste generation before and after the onset of the pandemic. By
establishing a clear before-and-after scenario, the study aims to delineate the impact of
COVID-19 on the generation and disposal of biomedical waste into marine ecosystems. This
quantitative inquiry forms the foundation for assessing the environmental consequences and
identifying trends in waste management practices during the pandemic period.
Alongside the quantitative investigation, the research proposal incorporates a crucial
qualitative research question pertaining to spreading awareness and promoting effective
waste management practices in society. This question delves into strategies and interventions
aimed at overcoming and reducing marine waste, particularly focusing on COVID-19 related
biomedical waste (BMW). By exploring how awareness about BMW and marine waste can
be disseminated effectively, the research aims to address behavioural, social, and educational
aspects. This includes studying public perceptions, communication channels, policy
interventions, and community engagement initiatives that can contribute to a sustainable
reduction in marine waste and improved BMW waste management.
By integrating both quantitative and qualitative research inquiries, this proposal aims to
provide a comprehensive understanding of the increase in biomedical marine waste due to
COVID-19, assess the before-and-after scenario, and propose actionable strategies for
spreading awareness and enhancing waste management practices in Indian society.

Review of related literature

 Biomedical waste generation and management during covid-19 pandemic in India:
challenges and possible management strategies
Written by: Ashish Dehal, Atul Narayan Vaidya and Arirvatham Ramesh Kumar
The authors commend India's response to the pandemic, including policy interventions and
adoption of WHO guidelines. However, they stress the need to improve infrastructure for
managing municipal solid waste (MSW), biomedical waste (BMW), and pandemic waste
(PW) to successfully implement these interventions. Specific actions and initiatives are
proposed, such as color-coded bins for effective waste collection and disposal, adherence to
BMW management guidelines, and investment in health infrastructure and skilled health
professionals. The authors recommend increasing treatment capacity for incinerators,
particularly for COVID-related BMW, and enhancing monitoring of pandemic waste to
assess environmental impacts.
 The influence of COVID-19 pandemic on biomedical waste management, the impact
beyond infection
Written by: Anirban Bhar, Rohan Kr Biswas Avik Kumar Choudhury
While the paper discusses in detail some solutions such as waste management synergies and
awareness campaigns, it lacks a comprehensive discussion on long-term sustainable solutions
for BMW management. Exploring innovative technologies, best practices from other
countries, and community engagement strategies would provide insights into long-term
solutions beyond the pandemic.
 Updates on biomedical waste management during COVID-19: The Indian scenario
Written by: Sharad Chand, C.S. Shastry, Shivakumar Hiremath, Juno J. Joel, C.H.
Krishnabhat and Uday Venkat Mateti
The paper highlights several critical issues surrounding the management of biomedical waste
(BMW) during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. It also discusses the risks posed by the
virus to waste workers due to its ability to survive on surfaces for extended periods. One
significant aspect of the study is its focus on the inadequate infrastructure and resources to
handle the surge in BMW generation. Despite the presence of BMW treatment facilities and
incinerators, the additional waste generated during the pandemic has overwhelmed the
existing capacity, leading to poor segregation practices and increased environmental risks.
The research also highlights the plight of sanitation workers and rag pickers who are at high
risk of contracting the virus due to their exposure to BMW without proper protection.
However, the passage lacks discussion on potential solutions to address these challenges.
While it mentions the roles and responsibilities outlined in BMW rules and regulations, it
does not offer concrete recommendations for improving BMW management practices or
enhancing worker safety.

Sample size
The sample was collected from 30 respondents who were college students mainly which
indicate that they were partially aware of the detrimental effects of marine pollution. The
maximum number of respondents was between the age group of 19-25.

Methodology
In order to answer the stated objectives a Qualitative Research methodology and student
centred methodology has been used and the study aims to investigate the awareness,
behaviour, and impact of biomedical waste, including COVID-19-related waste, on marine
ecosystems in India. A questionnaire was developed consisting of 13 questions covering
aspects such as awareness of marine waste issues, disposal practices for COVID-19-related
biomedical waste like PPE and masks, knowledge about the impact of such waste on marine
life, and perception of government policies and regulations regarding waste management.
To implement the questionnaire, a Google Form was created to ensure ease of participation
for respondents. A diverse sample of participants, including mall-goers and college students,
was selected to capture a wide range of perspectives and behaviours related to waste
management.
Data collection involved distributing the Google Form questionnaire to the selected sample
and encouraging participation through various means. Ethical considerations were upheld,
including participant confidentiality, informed consent, and adherence to research ethics.
Upon collecting and compiling the responses, data analysis was conducted using statistical
tools to identify patterns, trends, and significant findings related to marine waste and
COVID-19 biomedical waste management. The results were interpreted to draw conclusions
about the level of awareness, behaviour, and impact of biomedical waste on marine
ecosystems in India.

Tools and Techniques

https://forms.gle/PRhHvY3DcgghZ12E9
A questionnaire was developed consisting of 13 questions covering aspects such as awareness
of marine waste issues, disposal practices for COVID-19-related biomedical waste like PPE
and masks, knowledge about the impact of such waste on marine life, and perception of
government policies and regulations regarding waste management.

Analysis and interpretation

Q1. Are you familiar with the term Marine Pollution?
The questionnaire was surveyed from 30 respondents to know if were familiar with the term
Marine Pollution. Out of 30 respondents, 96.7% of the people were familiar with the term
while3.3% were not at all familiar with the term. This shows that majority of the population
were familiar with the term and very few did not know about Marine pollution.
Q2.Which picture do you think best defines Marine Pollution?
According to the survey conducted, 100% respondents correctly chose the right option .So we
can conclude that by looking at the picture, people could easily guess what marine pollution
is and can get some idea about it.

Q3.What type of waste significantly increased in marine water bodies during COVID-19
pandemic?
As per the pie chart shown below, 10% people preferred plastic bottle, 6.3% people preferred
glass containers while 83.3% people chose biochemical waste. So we can conclude that
though 83.3% people are well aware about biochemical waste’s impact on marine life, there
are still 16.7% who needs to be made aware about it.
Q4. What is Biomedical Waste?
According to survey, 93.3% people knew that it is the waste generated from biological
sources while 6.7% did not had idea about biochemical waste. So we can conclude that
93.3% people knew that it is the waste generated from biological resources.

Q5.How did the discharge of biochemical waste affect Marine life during the pandemic?
According to the pie chart shown below, 10% people consider that the only effect is that it
elevated the morality rates among marine species,20% people consider that the only effect is
that it increased risk of chemical contamination of marine organisms while 70% considers
that not only the above two but biochemical wastes also led to disruption of aquatic
ecosystem .So we can conclude that many people were aware about all the effects that
biochemical waste caused to marine life during pandemic.
Q6.What do you think are the main factors contributing to the increase in marine litter during
COVID-19(Select all that apply)?
According to the survey, large population which is 84.8% people guessed that improper
disposal of personal protective equipment is the main factor contributing to increase in
marine litter during COVID-19 and the second factor according to the respondents is
increased use of single use plastics due to hygiene concerns, third is disruption in waste
management and recycling systems and the fourth factor is lack of awareness or education
about proper waste disposal

Q7.Which measure could help prevent the spread of biochemical waste in marine water
bodies during health crises like COVID-19?
According to the pie chart shown below, most of the respondents (75.8%) consider that if
there is a proper disposal of chemical waste according to regulations then it could prevent the
spread of biochemical wastes in marine water bodies during COVID-19.

Q8.What is the consequences of the increase in biochemical waste in marine life?

As per the pie chart shown below, 84.8% chose that the consequence of increased
biochemical waste in marine life is the increased risk of toxicity and contamination. So we
can conclude that many people are well aware of the consequences of the given problem.

Q9. What role did lockdown measures play in exacerbating the problem of biomedical waste
in marine water bodies?
According to the survey, 63.6% respondents chose all the three options that were – reduced
the capacity of wastewater treatment plants, limited access to proper disposal facilities of
medical waste and decreased oversight and enforcement of pollution regulations.
Q10.Which measure could help mitigate the impact of biochemical waste in marine
environments during COVID-19 and future crises?
As per survey, large number of respondents which is 60.6% considers implementing strict
regulations on waste disposal as the proper measure that should be taken to mitigate the
impact of biochemical waste in marine environments.

Q11.What role did schools and educational institutions should play in raising awareness
about marine litter?
As per the survey, 69.7% respondents chose all of the above options which were – to include
environmental education as a part of curriculum, organize awareness campaigns and events ,
encourage students to participate in clean-up activities and partner with local organisations to
promote eco-friendly practices.
Suggestions
Growing population density and associated pollution threaten the environment across the
world. Among this biomedical waste management demand more attention because it not only
affects the environment in varied Ways but increases also the potential risks of infections and
associated health hazards. Insufficient waste management system along with improper waste
littering of BMWs mixed with other garbage make the situation more Critical in highly
populous countries like India. According to the biomedical waste management rule, 2016, all
The BMWs are to be segregated into four categories with Respective color-coded bins e.g.,
yellow bins are for human and other animals anatomical waste, solid waste. Expired
Medicines and other chemicals are also incorporated in this bin, which specifically
incorporates antibiotics and cytotoxic drugs and containers of the same. Different
Microbiological, biotechnological, and clinical wastes are also targeted towards the yellow
bin. Red bins are meant for any contaminated recyclable waste without metal Wastes. White
translucent bags are specifically encompassing contaminated sharp objects and blue bags are
for glass wastes. This primary segregation at source is the vital requirement for successful
reduction in toxicity Through BMWs. The harmful effect of micro plastic on the environment
and human health is well documented but the specific hazardous effect is still elusive
(Campanile Et al., 2020). Much research is now necessary to unveil the Specific effect of
micro plastic pollution as well as finding a Solution for such notorious micro pollutants. .
Although it is very easy to postulate but very difficult to perform in mass implication. On The
other hand, standardization and formulation of decontamination technique maintaining its
original performance And other properties is another big challenge. Concentrating more
research in this field along with mass awareness Regarding the effects and proper disposal of
BMWs would only save us from many future predicaments.
Some suggestions for spreading awareness about biomedical marine waste during COVID-
19:
 Educational Campaigns: Launch comprehensive educational campaigns targeting
various demographics, including schools, colleges, communities, and healthcare
 facilities. Use multimedia approaches such as posters, videos, and interactive
workshops to convey information about biomedical waste, its environmental impact,
and proper disposal methods.
 Public Service Announcements (PSAs): Collaborate with media outlets to create and
broadcast PSAs highlighting the importance of responsible disposal of biomedical
waste. These short messages can reach a wide audience and raise awareness about the
consequences of improper waste management.
 Online Platforms: Leverage social media platforms, websites, and online forums to
disseminate information and engage with the public. Create engaging content, share
success stories, and encourage discussions on sustainable waste management
practices.
 Partnerships with NGOs and Community Groups: Collaborate with non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) and community groups working on environmental conservation
and public health. Organize joint awareness campaigns, clean-up drives, and
workshops to involve the community actively in waste reduction efforts.
 Training Programs: Provide training sessions for healthcare professionals, waste
management personnel, and local authorities on proper handling, segregation, and
disposal of biomedical waste. Empowering key stakeholders with knowledge and
skills can lead to improved waste management practices.
 Policy Advocacy: Advocate for stronger regulations and policies regarding biomedical
waste management. Engage with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and
environmental advocates to push for sustainable practices, enforcement mechanisms,
and investment in waste treatment infrastructure.
 Behavioural Change Initiatives: Implement behavioural change interventions that
incentivize and promote responsible waste disposal behaviours. This can include
rewards for proper waste segregation, public recognition for eco-friendly initiatives,
and community-driven initiatives for waste reduction.
 Collaborative Campaigns: Partner with businesses, educational institutions, and local
authorities to launch collaborative campaigns focused on reducing waste generation,
promoting recycling, and raising awareness about the environmental impact of
biomedical waste.
By implementing these suggestions, we can create a comprehensive awareness strategy that
engages various stakeholders, fosters behavioural change, and contributes to reducing
biomedical marine waste during COVID-19.

Conclusion
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