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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Remediation Sign in to save

The Bad Side of Face Masks and How Bacteria Can Help

Frontiers for Young Minds 2025
Amairani Flores-Díaz, J. Rene Rangel‐Mendez, Aura Ontiveros‐Valencia

Summary

This review examines how single-use face masks contributed to environmental microplastic pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic and explores how bacteria and other microorganisms might be harnessed to biodegrade mask-derived microplastics in wastewater treatment systems.

Study Type Environmental

The use of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many people from catching the virus, but it also produced a lot of environmental pollution from microplastics—small pieces of plastic the size of an ant or smaller. Microplastics travel for months through rivers, lakes, and drainage systems, until they reach wastewater treatment plants where contaminants are removed from water. However, due to their unique characteristics and small size, microplastics are not eliminated from treated water and can end up in our food. Luckily, tiny organisms like bacteria can help us to tackle this problem by “eating” microplastics. In this article, you will learn about these small creatures and how they can help us remove plastics from water.

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