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.
Environmental Pollution,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
348, P. 123792 - 123792
Published: March 20, 2024
The
production
and
consumption
of
disposable
face
masks
(DFMs)
increased
intensely
during
the
COVID-19
pandemic,
leading
to
a
high
amount
them
being
found
in
terrestrial
aquatic
environment.
main
goal
this
research
study
is
conduct
comparative
evaluation
water-leachability
microplastics
(MPs)
chemical
additives
from
various
types
surgical/medical
(MM
DFMs)
filtering
pieces
(FFPs).
Fourier-Transform
Infrared
Spectroscopy
was
used
for
MPs
analysis.
Liquid
Chromatography/High
Resolution
Mass
Spectrometry
analyse
analytes
presented
water-leachates
DFMs.
FFPs
released
3-4
times
more
microplastic
particles
compared
MM
release
into
water
all
tested
DFMs
without
mechanical
stress
suggests
potential
MP
contamination
originating
DFM
process.
Our
first
time
identified
bisphenol
B
(0.25-0.42
μg/L)
1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)
sulfosuccinate
(163.9-115.0
as
leachables
vary
size,
with
predominant
<100
μm,
order
MMIIR
>
MMII
FFP3>FFP2>MMI.
type
leachates
investigated
polypropylene,
accounting
93-97%
82-83%
FFPs.
Other
polymers
such
polyethylene,
polycarbonate,
polyester/polyethylene
terephthalate,
polyamide/Nylon,
polyvinylchloride,
ethylene-propylene
copolymer
were
also
identified,
but
smaller
amounts.
wider
variety
higher
percentage
(17-18%)
other
(3-7%).
Fragments
fibres
water-leachate
samples,
fragments,
particularly
debris
polypropylene
fibres,
most
common
morphotype.
findings
are
important
contributing
additional
data
develop
science-based
policy
recommendations
on
health
environmental
impacts
associated
originated
