Time Dependent Release of Microplastics from Disposable Face Masks Poses Cyto-Genotoxicity in Allium Cepa

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.

Insights of the Toxic Impact of Microplastic on Flora: Recent Trends and Challenges

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Researchers reviewed how microplastics accumulate in plants and disrupt growth, nutrient uptake, and reproduction across both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Because plants form the base of the food chain, microplastic contamination of crops and wild vegetation may indirectly affect the health of animals and humans who consume them.

UV-A pre-irradiation and shear stress enhanced microplastic fibre release from disposable surgical facemasks and its toxicity towards freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus

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Disposable surgical face masks break down into tiny plastic fibers faster when exposed to sunlight and water movement, like what happens when they're littered outdoors or tossed in waterways, and these fibers get even smaller and more numerous with more sun exposure and turbulence. When researchers exposed freshwater algae (a key part of aquatic food chains) to these microplastic fibers, the algae showed signs of cell damage, suggesting that improperly discarded masks could pose a real risk to aquatic ecosystems, and potentially to human health through the food chain, water supply, and everyday exposure to these plastic particles.

The Effects of Microplastics on Human Health: at the Cellular Level

Ecotoxicological Impact of Plastic Waste on Marine Flora

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Researchers reviewed how plastic pollution — with global production reaching 359 million metric tons in 2018 and only 9% recycled — is causing widespread harm to marine plant life, threatening ocean ecosystems that underpin the global food chain.