Potential effects of natural aging process on the characteristics and toxicity of facial masks: A zebrafish-based study

The use of facial masks has increased and is therefore being recognized as a large source of environmental microplastics. Herein, we naturally aged disposable masks in a lake for eight weeks and compared the toxicity of mask-derived microplastics depending on the aging process using zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish were exposed to virgin and aged mask fragments (VF and AF, respectively) for eight weeks. The aging process induced cracks on the surface of mask fragments and chemical adsorption. Both VF and AFs damaged the zebrafish's liver, gills, and intestine and adversely affected their digestive ability, and their movement-aggression was decreased. These observations highlight the consequences of indiscriminately discarding masks or AFs following consumption. In conclusion, personal protective equipment waste in the environment should be appropriately managed to prevent negative impacts on aquatic organisms and, consequently, on humans via the food chain.