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Characterization, toxicity evaluation, and mitigation strategy of micro/nanoplastics released from face masks
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Researchers characterized microplastic and nanoplastic particles released from face mask fabrics under mechanical stress, demonstrated developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos, and developed an iron chloride coagulation method to remove these particles from water. The study reveals that disposable face masks — widely used during COVID-19 — are an underrecognized source of micro- and nanoplastics that enter aquatic environments and pose early-life developmental risks.
The widespread adoption of face masks as personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced a novel source of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) to the environment. These face masks are primarily fabricated from non-renewable polymers, particularly polypropylene and polyethylene, that can be potential sources of MPs/NPs. The release of MPs/NPs from face masks has become a great concern due to a lack of proper disposal. The present work deals with the study of the release and characterization of MPs/NPs generated from face mask fabric. Scanning electron microscopy and flow cytometry showed that exposing face mask fabrics to different levels of mechanical stress can break them down into smaller debris, including MPs/NPs. Furthermore, the effects of MPs/NPs on the early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio) were studied by investigating morphological abnormalities from 0 to 96 h post-fertilization. Lastly, a mitigation strategy based on coagulation removal using iron chloride (FeCl3) was developed and optimized for the removal of MPs/NPs from water.
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