Material Flow Analysis-Based Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Polypropylene-Fiber-Containing Microplastics Released from Disposable Masks

Material flow analysis-based assessment of polypropylene-fiber-containing microplastics released from disposable masks: Characterizing distribution in the environmental media

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.