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.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
unknown, P. 1 - 12
Published: Jan. 27, 2025
Face
masks
are
strongly
believed
to
be
the
best
precaution
reduce
transmission
of
SARS-CoV-2
virus,
which
resulted
in
an
unprecedented
surge
production
and
use
personal
respiratory
protective
equipment.
Unfortunately,
this
led
improper
disposal
used
masks.
This
study
aimed
assess
occurrence
microplastics
(MPs)
unused
surgical
cloth
N95
respirators.
Respective
samples
were
kept
a
rotary
shaker
with
distilled
water
Erlenmeyer
flask
for
5
hr
release
MPs.
Surgical
showed
greater
release;
average
18.27
items/mask
released
from
discarded
10.87
new
Fibers
fragments
smaller
than
0.5
mm
size
found
have
predominant
presence
all
observed
facemasks
The
ATR-FTIR
analysis
respirators
revealed
four
different
polymers,
namely
polyethylene
(PE)
46%,
polypropylene
(PP)
27%,
polyamide
(PA)
15%
polystyrene
(PS)
12%.
by
face
can
carried
environment
or
directly
inhaled
during
use.
As
result,
using
repeatedly
could
expose
individuals
microplastics.
proper
practices
should
maintained
prevent
human
environmental
exposures
MPs
been
shown
affect
at
cellular
systems
level,
additional
research
on
effects
health
is
needed.
Russian Chemical Reviews,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
94(3), P. RCR5155 - RCR5155
Published: March 1, 2025
The
presence
of
microplastics
(MPs)
in
the
environment
is
a
highly
relevant
and
aggravating
environmental
problem,
which
concern
not
only
for
specialists
various
fields
but
also
everyone
who
cares
about
future
Earth.
ever-increasing
production
polymers
expanding
use
plastic
products
enlarged
MP
concentrations
Earth's
ecosystem.
need
to
control
accumulation
spread
MPs
caused
by
current
crisis
where
no
microplastic-free
areas
have
remained
on
number
studies
dealing
with
existing
potential
threat
living
organisms
from
consumption
increasing
every
year.
aim
this
review
systematize
available
information
occurrence
briefly
describe
main
types
polymer
materials
acting
as
sources
mechanisms
formation
transport
environment.
hazardous
behaviour
analyzed
considering
their
impact
physiology
aquatic
soil
organisms.
Special
emphasis
demonstrating
adverse
effect
emissions
3D
printing
materials.
An
overview
methods
capture
given
facilitate
analysis
development
more
reliable
removal
disposal.
As
result
review,
we
assess
long-term
human
health
consequences
exposure.
Understanding
formation,
lifecycle
environment,
ways
interaction
will
controlling
design
implementation
effective
techniques
remediation
prevent
ecological
consequences.
<br>The
bibliography
includes
244
references.
ACS Applied Polymer Materials,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
5(6), P. 4372 - 4379
Published: May 5, 2023
Non-biodegradable
polypropylene,
which
poses
a
serious
threat
to
the
environment,
is
most
utilized
material
in
air
filtration
systems.
Moreover,
under
conditions
of
high
temperature
and
humidity,
electrostatic
charge
melt-blown
nonwoven
fabrics
treated
with
traditional
corona
electrets
will
quickly
dissipate.
Here,
biodegradable
polylactic
acid,
calcium
stearate,
an
innovative
hydrocharging
technique
are
reported
develop
environmentally
friendly
acid/calcium
stearate
stability.
Compared
acid
fabrics,
crystallization
structure
storage
have
been
greatly
improved
due
presence
stearate.
In
PM0.3,
it
exhibited
efficiency
(96.78%),
low
pressure
drop
(65.20
Pa),
good
quality
factor
(0.053
Pa–1),
can
meet
N95
respirator
standard.
Furthermore,
worth
mentioning
that
performance
remained
at
level
(>95.00%)
after
2
months.
Importantly,
based
on
test
analysis
surface
potential,
crystallization,
distribution,
we
proposed
plausible
generation
stable
mechanisms.
It
demonstrated
more
potential
for
electret
smart
respirators
as
further
possible
step
research
field.
Watershed Ecology and the Environment,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
6, P. 41 - 53
Published: Jan. 1, 2024
Microplastics
(MPs)
are
recognized
as
emerging
contaminants
due
to
their
small
size,
hazardous
nature,
and
widespread
abundance
in
the
environmental
compartments.
As
largest
sink
of
MPs,
oceans
currently
study's
main
focus.
However,
question
about
MP
particles
applies
all
niches,
including
natural
wetlands.
Unfortunately,
wetlands
have
been
not
explored
much
comparison
ocean
terrestrial
ecosystem
for
occurrence
its
toxicity.
Meanwhile,
these
offer
important
ecological
services
a
high
biodiversity,
both
which
could
be
compromised
by
rising
levels
contamination
such
systems.
limited
research
possible
repercussions
still
lacking.
Even
there
uncertainties
MPs
regarding
distribution
fate.
Since
potential
trap
plastics
act
it
becomes
essential
investigate
wetland
toxicological
risks
This
review
summarised
source,
consequences
The
also
illustrated
advancements
technologies
aiming
remove
plastic
debris
from
environment.
