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Potential effects of natural aging process on the characteristics and toxicity of facial masks: A zebrafish-based study
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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.
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.
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Uptake and toxicity of micro-/nanoplastics derived from naturally weathered disposable face masks in developing zebrafish: Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on aquatic life
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Researchers exposed developing zebrafish to micro- and nanoplastics created by naturally weathering disposable face masks in water. They found that these particles caused physical malformations, increased cell death, and triggered oxidative stress in the fish embryos and larvae. The findings suggest that improperly discarded pandemic masks breaking down in waterways could pose real threats to aquatic life during early development.
Impact of virgin and weathered microplastics on zebrafish: Bioaccumulation, developmental toxicity and molecular pathway disruptions
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Researchers compared the effects of brand-new versus environmentally weathered microplastics on zebrafish larvae and found that weathered particles were far more toxic, causing 80% mortality compared to 20% for new plastics. The weathered microplastics triggered more severe disruptions to oxidative stress pathways, cell death signaling, and DNA repair mechanisms. The study emphasizes that laboratory tests using only pristine microplastics may significantly underestimate the real-world dangers of plastic pollution.
Toxic effects of aging mask microplastics on E. coli and dynamic changes in extracellular polymeric matter
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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.
Toxic effects of naturally-aged microplastics on zebrafish juveniles: A more realistic approach to plastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems
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Researchers exposed juvenile zebrafish to naturally aged polystyrene microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations for five days. They found that the microplastics disrupted the fish's antioxidant defenses, indicating oxidative stress, and caused measurable cellular and neurological impacts. The study suggests that even short-term exposure to realistic levels of weathered microplastics can affect the health of freshwater organisms.
Effects of Photoaged Polyethylene Microplastics on Cardiac Injury and Fibrosis-like Remodeling in Zebrafish
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Researchers exposed adult zebrafish to polyethylene microplastics, some of which were artificially weathered using UV light to mimic environmental aging. Both plastic types caused heart damage, including oxidative stress and tissue changes resembling scarring, with weathered microplastics causing more severe effects in some, but not all, measurements.
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