We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Material flow analysis-based assessment of polypropylene-fiber-containing microplastics released from disposable masks: Characterizing distribution in the environmental media
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used material flow analysis to track where polypropylene microplastics from discarded disposable face masks end up in the environment. They found that the vast majority of mask-derived microplastics accumulate in landfills and soil, with smaller amounts reaching water systems. The study quantifies how the pandemic-driven surge in mask use has created a new and measurable source of microplastic pollution.
With the upsurge in the use of disposable masks during the coronavirus disease pandemic, improper disposal of discarded masks and their negative impact on the environment have emerged as major issues. Improperly disposed of masks release various pollutants, particularly microplastic (MP) fibers, which can harm both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by interfering with the nutrient cycling, plant growth, and the health and reproductive success of organisms. This study assesses the environmental distribution of polypropylene (PP)-containing MPs, generated from disposable masks, using material flow analysis (MFA). The system flowchart is designed based on the processing efficiency of various compartments in the MFA model. The highest amount of MPs (99.7 %) is found in the landfill and soil compartments. A scenario analysis reveals that waste incineration significantly reduces the amount of MP transferred to landfills. Therefore, considering cogeneration and gradually increasing the incineration treatment rate are crucial to manage the processing load of waste incineration plants and minimize the negative impact of MPs on the environment. The findings provide insights into the potential environmental exposure associated with the improper disposal of waste masks and indicate strategies for sustainable mask disposal and management.
More Papers Like This
Potential Microplastic Threat: Environmental Assessment of The Face Mask Pollution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the environmental threat posed by face masks discarded during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that masks contain polypropylene fibers that can fragment into microplastics and persist in the environment. The study calls for better mask disposal strategies and environmental monitoring to track mask-derived microplastic pollution.
Uncovering the Release of Micro/nanoplastics from Disposable Face Masks at Times of COVID-19
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that disposable face masks release significant amounts of micro- and nanoplastic particles when subjected to water exposure and mechanical stress similar to environmental conditions. This confirms that the massive use of masks during COVID-19 introduced new sources of microplastic pollution into the environment.
Fate of the face masks in the environment affect human and wildlife: tons of face masks are new source for the endocrine disrupting chemicals
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how the massive accumulation of discarded COVID-19 face masks — primarily made of polypropylene, an endocrine-disrupting plastic — represents a new source of microplastic pollution in soils, oceans, and air worldwide. The paper discusses the health and ecological risks posed by mask-derived microplastics and endocrine disruptors for both humans and wildlife.
Face masks: a COVID-19 protector or environmental contaminant?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined how the massive global use of disposable face masks during COVID-19 has created a significant source of microplastic pollution, with billions of masks entering the environment and releasing plastic fibers and chemical contaminants.
Global daily mask use estimation in the pandemic and its post environmental health risks: Analysis based on a validated dynamic mathematical model
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a mathematical model to estimate daily disposable mask usage across 214 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and projected how discarded masks contribute to microplastic pollution. The model estimated billions of masks were used daily at peak periods, releasing massive quantities of microplastic fibers as they degrade. The study provides a tool for policymakers to assess the long-term environmental health risks of pandemic-related plastic waste.
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.