We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Release of microplastics and nanoplastics in water from disposable surgical masks after disinfection
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated whether disinfection of disposable surgical masks by UV treatment or other methods during the COVID-19 pandemic increased the release of microplastics and nanoplastics into water. The study found that UV-disinfected masks released 1,054 to 2,472 microplastic particles per mask — comparable to undisinfected masks — but that disinfection shifted the size distribution toward smaller particles, raising concerns about nanoplastic release from reused masks.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, disposable surgical masks were generally disinfected and reused due to mask shortages. Herein, the role of disinfected masks as a source of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) was investigated. The amount of MPs and NPs released from masks disinfected by UV ranged from 1054 ± 106 to 2472 ± 70 and from 2.55 ± 0.22 × 10 to 6.72 ± 0.27 × 10 particles/piece, respectively, comparable to that of the undisinfected masks, and the MPs were changed to small-sized particles. The amount of MPs and NPs released after alcohol and steam treatment were respectively lower and higher than those from undisinfected masks, and MPs were shifted to small-sized particles. The amount of MPs and NPs released in water after autoclaving was lower than for undisinfected masks. In all, the amount of fibers released after disinfection decreased greatly, and certain disinfection processes were found to increase the amount of small-sized NPs released from masks into aqueous environments.
More Papers Like This
The behavior of microplastics and nanoplastics release from UV-aged masks in the water
AI summary Read the abstract
UV irradiation of three types of disposable masks in water progressively damaged their structure over 15-30 days, releasing microplastics and nanoplastics at rates that increased exponentially with irradiation time, with an estimated release of up to 3.66 x 10^10 particles per mask over 1-3 years of environmental exposure.
Neglected microplastics pollution in global COVID-19: Disposable surgical masks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that disposable surgical masks release approximately 360 microplastic particles in still water, with the number increasing significantly under agitation or when exposed to detergents and alcohol. After just two months of natural weathering, the masks became fragile enough to potentially release billions of microplastic fibers upon entering water. The study highlights that pandemic-related mask waste represents a substantial and largely overlooked new source of microplastic pollution.
Identification of Microplastics and Non-Microplastics Released from Masks under Environmental Conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that single-use surgical masks worn during the COVID-19 pandemic release microplastics under environmental stress, with UV exposure generating the most particles (approximately 120 items per mask), followed by mechanical abrasion and high-temperature exposure.
Detection and Quantification of Micro(nano)plastics Release from Photolysis of Surgical Masks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers simulated 900 days of UV photolysis on surgical mask polypropylene and detected both microplastics larger than 10 µm (10 mg per mask item) and nanoplastics averaging 149 nm, demonstrating that mask degradation releases particles small enough to penetrate deep into the respiratory tract.
Microplastics and volatile organic compounds released from face masks after disinfection: Layers and materials differences
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested how two common mask disinfection methods, UV light and bleach, affect different mask filter layers and found that both release microplastics and volatile organic compounds. UV disinfection caused more surface damage and released more microplastic particles, while bleach produced higher levels of volatile chemicals. The findings suggest that reusing disinfected masks may introduce secondary exposure to microplastics and chemical byproducts.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.