Unregulated
disposal
of
N95
face
masks
commonly
used
during
the
recent
COVID-19
pandemic
can
release
significant
amounts
microplastics
and
other
additives
into
aquatic
bodies.
The
objectives
this
study
were:
(i)
to
quantify
analyse
released
heavy
metals
from
weathered
for
various
time
periods
(24,
48,
72,
96,
120,
144
h)
(ii)
assess
cytotoxicity
potential
leachates
on
a
model
organism,
freshwater
alga
Scenedesmus
obliquus.
mask
contained
polypropylene
in
different
shapes
sizes,
like
Ni,
Zn,
Hg.
were
able
cause
decline
cell
viability
with
corresponding
increase
reactive
oxygen
species
generation,
antioxidant
enzyme
activity,
membrane
damage.
effects
also
accompanied
by
drop
photosynthetic
yield.
A
dose-response
behaviour
was
noticed
all
measured
parameters,
an
increasing
leaching
period
releasing
increased
concentrations
microplastics.
findings
our
confirm
that
releases
disposable
pose
severe
threat
microalgae
cascading
would
harm
ecosystems.
Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
8, P. 100536 - 100536
Published: Oct. 29, 2023
Microplastics
are
often
found
in
the
greatest
quantities
terrestrial
environments,
addition
to
those
along
coasts
and
oceans.
They
may
get
into
water
bodies
from
a
variety
of
different
sources
such
as
deposition
atmosphere,
runoff
polluted
land,
effluent
municipal
treatment
plants.
The
objective
this
study
is
conduct
comprehensive
evaluation
existing
scientific
literature
related
microplastics
wastewater.
Specifically,
focus
on
investigating
possible
impacts
wastewater
containing
both
aquatic
biota.
Additionally,
attempts
identify
any
gaps
current
research,
with
intention
informing
future
research
priorities
field.
A
selection
over
200
papers
subject
microplastic
pollution,
covering
years
2000–2023,
has
been
selected
prominent
database.
These
encompass
wide
range
topics,
including
recent
advancements
wastewater,
their
origins,
behaviour
potential
adverse
various
organisms
animals,
soil
microbial
communities,
plants,
finally
humans.
results
showed
that
using
for
irrigation
can
lead
presence
ecosystems
facilitate
transmission
contaminants
by
interacting
pollutants.
findings
also
indicate
although
there
significant
investigation
marine
microplastics,
prevalence
contamination
freshwater
environments
comparatively
limited
requires
greater
attention
better
understanding
fate,
transport,
consequences
relation
water,
qualities,
polymer
composition,
forms,
types
land
use.
Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
10, P. 100326 - 100326
Published: May 1, 2023
The
COVID-19
pandemic
signified
an
unprecedented
driver
of
plastic
pollution,
mainly
composed
single-use
face
masks
(FMs).
Aiming
to
understand
their
negative
impact
(whether
aged
or
not)on
the
trophic
chain,
biotic
(e.g.,
bio-incrustation)
and
abiotic
factors
UV-light,
mechanical
abrasion)
which
affect
toxicological
profile
FMs
sub-products
(mainly
microplastics,
MPs,
nanoplastics,
PNPs)
were
studied.
In
addition
capacity
be
immediate
source
MPs/PNPs,
according
reports
in
scientific
literature,
they
are
also
good
substrates
since
tend
facilitate
proliferation
transport
eukaryotic
prokaryotic
organisms,
pathogens
such
as
SARS-CoV-2
virus,
contaminating
water
sources
facilitating
enrichment
spread
antibiotic
resistance
genes
(ARG)
environment.
However,
there
is
limited
research
on
macrofouling
species
dispersal.
Therefore,
present
review
aimed
provide
updated
summarized
analysis
environmental
ecotoxicological
contribution
this
type
waste
well
literature
regarding
mask
degradation
MPs
and/or
PNPs
release,
interaction
with
biota,
colonization
recommendations
for
future
studies.
Since
the
COVID-19
pandemic
broke
out,
there
has
been
a
dramatic
surge
in
usage
of
disposable
face
masks.
These
masks
are
composed
plastic
nonwoven
fabrics
and
can
potentially
contribute
polypropylene
(PP)
microplastics
to
environment.
This
investigation
aimed
assess
potential
for
these
PP
be
released
into
water
by
surgical
under
different
parameters.
Their
release
behaviour
influence
their
outcomes
ecotoxicological
impact
on
aquatic
organisms.
study
systematically
assesses
various
factors
that
may
affect
microplastic
fibres
natural
The
initial
focused
hydro-chemical
parameters,
including
pH
levels
(4,
7,
9),
ionic
strength
(IS)
at
10,
50,
100
mM,
humic
acid
(HA)
concentrations
(0.1,
1,
10
mg
L-1),
analyse
overall
pattern
from
facemasks.
experimental
findings
demonstrate
pH,
strength,
significantly
influenced
fibres.
also
emphasises
varying
shear
stress
dynamics
co-contaminants
like
heavy
metals
(HM)
facemasks
over
time
intervals.
Furthermore,
was
examined
systems,
lakes
seawater.
contributes
substantially
our
understanding
physical,
chemical,
environmental
leachates
ecosystems.
