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Face mask structure, degradation, and interaction with marine biota: A review
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Single-use face masks, which surged in use during COVID-19, are a significant source of microplastic pollution because they degrade into tiny plastic fragments and also serve as rafts for harmful bacteria, pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, and antibiotic resistance genes in aquatic environments. This review underscores that the environmental and public health costs of mask disposal extend well beyond simple litter, carrying risks for water quality and the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
The COVID-19 pandemic signified an unprecedented driver of plastic pollution, mainly composed of single-use face masks (FMs). Aiming to understand their negative impact (whether aged or not)on the trophic chain, biotic (e.g., bio-incrustation) and abiotic factors (e.g., UV-light, mechanical abrasion) which affect the toxicological profile of FMs or their sub-products (mainly microplastics, MPs, and nanoplastics, PNPs) were studied. In addition to the capacity of FMs to be an immediate source of MPs/PNPs, according to reports in the scientific literature, they are also good substrates since they tend to facilitate the proliferation and transport of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, contaminating water sources and facilitating the enrichment and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) in the environment. However, there is limited research on macrofouling and species dispersal. Therefore, the present review aimed to provide an updated and summarized analysis of the environmental and ecotoxicological contribution of this type of waste as well as literature regarding face mask degradation and MPs and/or PNPs release, interaction with biota, colonization in addition to recommendations for future studies.
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