COVID‐19: Medical Waste Management, Impact on Sustainable Development Goals, and Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This comprehensive review examines various methods of treating medical waste in the context of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). A bibliometric analysis was conducted to investigate the impact of COVID‐19 on medical waste, which showed a notable increase in publications in recent years. Findings indicate that thermal treatment with energy recovery, including pyrolysis, gasification, oxidation, and plasma gasification, is the most effective approach for managing medical waste. However, research on the impacts of medical waste on SDGs is insufficient, warranting further investigations to better understand the intersections between medical waste management and the SDGs. The need for international cooperation and collaboration in addressing medical waste management challenges, especially during crises, is highlighted. Understanding the links between medical waste management and the SDGs is crucial in developing sustainable solutions aligned with the global sustainability agenda. Further research and international collaboration are needed to address the challenges associated with medical waste management and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.

Economic Performance, Environmental Protection and Social Progress: A Cluster Analysis Comparison towards Sustainable Development

“…In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The reviewed literature analyzed the SDGs with respect to different goals, including food consumption [5], medical waste management [6], education institutions [7], tourism [8], digitalization [9], the circular economy [10], smart cities [11], fashion [12] and space [13]. Core research topics included the SDGs, Agenda 2030, climate change and sustainability indicators [14].…”

Analyzing the Evolution of Research on Student Awareness of Solid Waste Management in Higher Education Institutions: A Bibliometric Perspective

“…In contrast, a recent study conducted by Mukhtar et al [24] examined the knowledge and attitude of public and private school students in Lahore, Pakistan, specifically related to plastic pollution. The most recent bibliometric analysis published by Olabi et al [26] focuses on medical waste management. This study examines the trends and patterns in research related to medical waste management, including topics such as disposal methods, environmental impact, and regulatory frameworks.…”