The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, necessitated widespread use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate viral transmission. Facemasks, gloves, and other PPE items became essential for healthcare workers and the general public, leading to an unprecedented surge in production and consumption globally. According to Shakil et al. (2020), an estimated 129 billion facemasks and 65 billion gloves were used monthly during the pandemic’s peak. While these materials played a crucial role in curbing infection rates, improper disposal and lack of adequate recycling systems contributed significantly to environmental pollution (Prata et al. 2020). The lightweight and durable properties of PPE components, such as polypropylene and polyethylene, facilitate their dispersion into ecosystems, where they degrade into micro- and nanoplastics. These particles pose long-term risks to terrestrial and aquatic environments, potentially entering food chains and impacting biodiversity (De-la-Torre et al. 2021). The urgency of addressing the environmental implications of this surge in PPE usage highlights the need for sustainable alternatives and improved waste management practices. The improper disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant environmental challenges. Discarded facemasks, gloves, and other single-use PPE items have been found in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, contributing to an alarming increase in plastic pollution. Studies estimate that nearly 1.6 million tonnes of plastic waste per day were generated globally during the pandemic, with a substantial portion attributed to PPE (Benson et al. 2021). These materials, primarily composed of non-biodegradable polymers like polypropylene, degrade into microplastics and nanoplastics, persisting in the environment for decades (Patrício Silva et al. 2021). In aquatic ecosystems, such waste poses severe threats to marine organisms through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat disruption. Moreover, the leaching of hazardous additives from PPE can contaminate soil and water, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem health (Ammendolia et al. 2021). Despite the critical role PPE played in controlling COVID-19 transmission, its environmental footprint underscores the need for urgent intervention through effective waste management, recycling innovations, and the development of sustainable alternatives.