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Unmasking effects of masks: Microplastics released from disposable surgical face masks induce toxic effects in microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus and Chlorella sp.
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Researchers found that microplastics released from disposable surgical face masks induced toxic effects in two microalgae species, with the outer mask layer releasing the most particles and causing measurable harm to algal growth and photosynthesis.
During the COVID-19 pandemic billions of face masks were used since they became a necessity in everyone's lives. But these were not disposed properly and serve as one of the most significant sources of micro and nano plastics in the environment. The effects of mask leached plastics in aquatic biota remains largely unexplored. In this work, we quantified and characterized the released microplastics from the three layers of the mask. The outer layer of the face mask released more microplastics i.e., polypropylene than middle and inner layers. We investigated and compared the acute toxic effects of the released microplastics between Scenedesmus obliquus and Chlorella sp. The results showed a decrease in cell viability, photosynthetic yield, and electron transport rate in both the algal species. This was accompanied by an increase in oxidative stress markers such reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. There was also a significant rise of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in both the algal cells. Furthermore, morphological changes like cell aggregation and surface chemical changes in the algae were ascertained by optical microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The tests confirmed that Scenedesmus obliquus was more sensitive than Chlorella sp. to the mask leachates. Our study clearly revealed serious environmental risk posed by the released microplastics from surgical face masks. Further work with other freshwater species is required to assess the environmental impacts of the mask leachates.
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Unveiling the toxic release: kinetics and comparative effects of microplastic fibers, organic, and metal leachates from disposable surgical face masks on two aquatic trophic levels: algae and crustaceans
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Researchers tested what leaches out of disposable surgical face masks into water over time, then exposed algae and brine shrimp to those leachates. The masks released polypropylene microplastic fibers, phthalate chemicals, and trace metals; the microplastic fibers caused the most harm — reducing algae viability, increasing oxidative stress, and raising mortality in shrimp — highlighting disposable masks as an underappreciated source of microplastic pollution.
UV-A pre-irradiation and shear stress enhanced microplastic fibre release from disposable surgical facemasks and its toxicity towards freshwater microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus
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Disposable surgical face masks break down into tiny plastic fibers faster when exposed to sunlight and water movement, like what happens when they're littered outdoors or tossed in waterways, and these fibers get even smaller and more numerous with more sun exposure and turbulence. When researchers exposed freshwater algae (a key part of aquatic food chains) to these microplastic fibers, the algae showed signs of cell damage, suggesting that improperly discarded masks could pose a real risk to aquatic ecosystems, and potentially to human health through the food chain, water supply, and everyday exposure to these plastic particles.
Impact of disposable mask microplastics pollution on the aquatic environment and microalgae growth
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Researchers investigated how discarded disposable face masks release microplastics into freshwater environments over a three-month period. They found that mask materials shed microplastic fibers that degraded water quality and negatively affected the growth of Chlorella microalgae. The study highlights that improperly disposed pandemic-related mask waste is a meaningful source of microplastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
Physiological responses and molecular mechanism of Chlorella sorokiniana to surgical mask exudates in wastewater
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Researchers studied how chemical compounds leaching from surgical masks in wastewater affect the growth of the microalga Chlorella sorokiniana. They found that even at environmentally realistic concentrations, surgical mask exudates inhibited algal growth by disrupting photosynthesis and causing oxidative stress. The study highlights an overlooked consequence of pandemic-related plastic waste on wastewater treatment systems that rely on microalgae.
Combined effects of P25 TiO2 nanoparticles and disposable face mask leachate on microalgae Scenedesmus obliquus: analysing the effects of heavy metals
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Researchers examined the combined toxicity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and surgical face mask leachate on microalgae, finding that polypropylene microplastics released from masks interact with nanoparticles to affect algal growth through heavy metal-mediated mechanisms.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.