We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Biodegradability of Disposable Surgical Face Masks Littered into Soil Systems during the COVID 19 Pandemic—A First Approach Using Microcosms
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed the microbial degradability of polypropylene-based disposable surgical face masks in soil using a 6-month microcosm experiment at 25 degrees C, measuring CO2 production and using solid-state NMR to characterize degradation products. They found that roughly 4-5% of mask carbon was rapidly mineralized but identified slow-pool mean residence times of 7 to 28 years for the remaining material, suggesting microbial PP degraders exist in soil though mask persistence is prolonged.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused massive use and improper disposal of surgical polypropylene (PP)-based face masks. For a first evaluation of the respective environmental consequences, we performed a 6-month microcosm experiment at 25 °C to determine the microbial degradability of 10 × 10 mm cuts of single mask layers and of a complete mask mixed with topsoil (Cambisol). By analyzing the CO2 production, we identified a fast pool with a mean residence time (MRTfast) of 3 to 7 days, corresponding to approximately 4 to 5% of the total mask carbon. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of the degraded masks suggests a cut-off of PP units or oligomers as a main degradation mechanism. The slow carbon pool of the center mask revealed an MRTslow of 7 years and those of the remaining mask material MRTslows between 19 and 28 years, which is three to five times longer than those of soil organic matter (SOM) of the pure soil. Since the masks were not pretreated, and decomposed in the dark without UV radiation, our data support our hypothesis that in soils, microbes must exist that can decompose PP, although their nature still has to be revealed in future attempts.
More Papers Like This
The Analysis of Soil Contamination Related to Mask Production and Consumption during COVID-19 Pandemic
AI summary Read the abstract
This study analyzed soil contamination from polypropylene microplastics released during the production and use of surgical face masks, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The mass production of masks created a large new source of polypropylene microplastics entering soil via improper disposal and manufacturing waste.
The environmental impact of mask-derived microplastics on soil ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how discarded face masks from the COVID-19 pandemic break down into microplastics and affect soil ecosystems. They found that mask-derived microplastics alter soil structure, change microbial community composition, and can release harmful chemical additives into the ground. The study suggests that the massive increase in mask waste during the pandemic has created a new and significant source of soil microplastic pollution.
Simulation of the Long-Term Ageing of Polypropylene-Made Disposable Surgical Masks and Filtering Facepiece Respirators
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers artificially aged polypropylene surgical masks under simulated environmental conditions and modeled their long-term oxidative degradation, finding that mask polymers undergo progressive fragmentation that will generate microplastics for years to decades after disposal in the environment.
COVID-19 Face Masks as a Long-Term Source of Microplastics in Recycled Urban Green Waste
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that COVID-19 face masks disposed of in urban green waste streams persist through composting and release synthetic microfibers and fragments into compost products, making them a long-term source of microplastic contamination in recycled organic material applied to soils.
Effects of Microplastics from Face Masks on Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Agricultural Soil: Development of Soil Quality Index “SQI”
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers mixed polypropylene microplastics from disposable face masks into agricultural soil at concentrations of 0–5% and assessed their effects on soil physicochemical and biological properties over time, developing a Soil Quality Index. MP presence altered carbon and nitrogen mineralization and soil microbial activity in a concentration-dependent manner, with a newly developed SQI providing a composite metric for soil health impacts.
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.