We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Toxic effects of aging mask microplastics on E. coli and dynamic changes in extracellular polymeric matter
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how disposable face mask microplastics change after environmental aging and how they affect bacteria. They found that aged microplastics from the meltblown filter layer of masks were the most toxic to E. coli, inhibiting growth by nearly 20 percent. The study reveals that weathered mask debris may pose greater environmental risks than fresh mask materials due to changes in their surface chemistry.
Contamination of disposable medical masks has become a growing problem globally in the wake of Covid-19 due to their widespread use and improper disposal. Three different mask layers, namely the outer layer, the meltblown (MB) filler layer and the inner layers release three different types of microplastics, whose physical and chemical properties change after prolonged environmental weathering. In this study, physical and chemical changes of mask microplastics before and after aging were characterized by different characterization techniques. The toxic effect and mechanism of aged mask microplastics on Escherichia coli (E. coli) were studied by measuring the growth inhibition of mask microplastics, the change in ATPase activity, the change in malondialdehyde content and reactive oxygen species production, and the release of the chemical composition of exopolymeric substances (EPS). The microplastics of the aged MB filter layer had the most significant inhibitory effect on E. coli growth, reaching 19.2 % after 36 h. Also, under the influence of mask microplastics, ATPase activity of E. coli was inhibited and a large amount of EPS was released. The chemical composition of EPS has also changed. This study proposed the possible toxicity mechanism of mask microplastics and the self-protection mechanism of E. coli, and provided a reference for future research on the toxic effects of mask microplastics on environmental organisms.
More Papers Like This
An investigation into the aging mechanism of disposable face masks and the interaction between different influencing factors
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that a single disposable face mask can release between 39,000 and 938,000 microplastic particles as it breaks down over three months under environmental conditions like UV light and saltwater. The aging masks also released heavy metals and absorbed other pollutants like antibiotics from their surroundings. This highlights that improperly discarded face masks are a significant and growing source of microplastic and chemical pollution.
Potential effects of natural aging process on the characteristics and toxicity of facial masks: A zebrafish-based study
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that naturally aged facial mask microplastics caused greater toxicity in zebrafish than virgin fragments, inducing more severe oxidative stress, immune responses, and intestinal damage due to surface cracking and chemical adsorption during aging.
Comparison between discarded facemask and common plastic waste on microbial colonization and physiochemical properties during aging in seawater
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that discarded surgical facemasks in seawater hosted more diverse microbial communities than conventional plastic waste, with higher degradation-related enzyme activity and more pronounced physicochemical changes during aging, raising concerns about their environmental impact.
Exploring Different Toxic Effects of UV-Aged and Bio-Aged Microplastics on Growth and Oxidative Stress of Escherichia coli
AI summary Read the abstract
This study compared the toxic effects of UV-aged and bio-aged microplastics on aquatic microorganisms, finding that different aging processes alter MP surface properties in distinct ways that produce different patterns of toxicity to bacteria and algae in aquatic environments.
Impact of Degradation of Polyethylene Particles on Their Cytotoxicity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that degradation of polyethylene particles altered their cytotoxicity, with weathered and fragmented PE showing different toxic effects on cells compared to pristine particles, suggesting environmental aging changes microplastic health risks.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.