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.
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety,
Journal Year:
2024,
Volume and Issue:
280, P. 116542 - 116542
Published: June 7, 2024
The
use
of
disposable
face
masks
(DFMs)
increased
during
the
COVID-19
pandemic
and
has
become
a
threat
to
environment
due
release
microplastics
(MPs).
Although
many
reports
have
characterized
explored
MPs
from
DFMs
their
effects
in
aquatic
ecosystems,
there
is
lack
investigation
into
terrestrial
plants.
This
report
aims
fill
this
research
gap
by
characterizing
whole
mask
leachates
(WMLs)
collected
at
different
time
points
examining
toxicity
on
Allium
cepa,
model
plant.
Various
analytical
techniques
including
FE-SEM,
FT-IR,
Raman
spectroscopy
were
used
identify
WMLs.
are
composed
polypropylene
mostly
concentration
smaller-sized
with
leachate
time.
WMLs
showed
MP
concentration-dependent
cytogenotoxic
effect
(72
%,
50
31
1,
5,
11-day
WMLs,
respectively)
A.
cepa
root
cells
elevated
oxidative
stress
(19
45
70
respectively).
Heavy
metal
content
was
negligible
and,
thus,
not
significant
contributor
Overall,
highlights
fate
biological
impacts
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.
Toxics,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
13(5), P. 372 - 372
Published: May 4, 2025
The
COVID-19
pandemic
has
exacerbated
the
problem
of
environmental
contamination
disposable
personal
protective
equipment,
in
particular
face
masks
(FMs).
As
a
result
factors,
FMs
undergo
aging
and
fragmentation
processes
become
source
microplastics
(MPs)
chemical
additives.
Taking
into
account
scale
accumulation
used
their
fragments
coastal
zone,
it
should
be
expected
that
most
appreciable
ecotoxicological
consequences
observed
hydrobionts
inhabiting
ecosystems.
Based
on
this,
aim
this
study
was
to
investigate
toxicity
leachates
from
pristine
weathered
using
sperm
sand
dollars
Scaphechinus
mirabilis.
In
our
work,
we
FMs,
which
for
200
days
were
kept
external
environment
under
natural
conditions
exposed
complex
climatic
factors.
Fourier
transform
infrared
spectroscopy
characterize
changes
occurred
polymer
structure
during
period.
It
follows
results
obtained
reduced
viability;
stimulated
lipid
peroxidation
products,
such
as
malondialdehyde
(MDA);
significantly
increased
destruction
DNA
molecules,
showing
genotoxic
effect.
Overall,
complement
limited
experimental
data
presented,
indicating
properties
mask
extracts.
