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Effects of polypropylene micro- and nanoplastics from surgical masks in amphibian and echinoderm models
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This study surveyed marine debris in Indonesian coastal or marine environments, characterizing plastic waste composition and spatial distribution. The results inform local and national policy development for addressing Indonesia's significant contribution to global ocean plastic pollution.
Micro- and nanoplastic toxicity is a growing environmental concern, especially in aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates the acute and chronic effects of polypropylene microfibers (PP MFs), derived from artificially aged surgical face masks, on two aquatic species: the freshwater amphibian Xenopus laevis and the marine brittle star Ophiactis virens. Characterisation of the aged PP material revealed both microfibers (mean size: 21.7 ± 13.4 μm × 1.9 ± 0.8 μm) and nanofragments (mean diameter: 176 ± 28 nm), with a nano/micro abundance ratio of 4.3. X. laevis larvae ingested large quantities of PP MFs, resulting in near-complete gut obstruction, while juvenile O. virens did not show internal accumulation. Despite this, both species exhibited some sublethal effects, particularly at the behavioural level and at the highest tested dose (10 µg mL⁻¹). Indeed, X. laevis larvae reduced their swimming activity, whereas O. virens showed impaired righting ability. Moreover, X. laevis larvae grew significantly more than controls at all tested concentrations (0.1–10 µg mL⁻¹). No significant effect was observed at the cell-tissue level, except for a few cases of ultrastructural alteration in X. laevis intestinal epithelium. The LOEC values were 0.1 µg mL⁻¹ for X. laevis and 10 µg mL⁻¹ for O. virens; corresponding NOECs were < 0.1 and 1.0 µg mL⁻¹, respectively. These findings highlight species-specific responses, likely linked to ecological traits and life stage, and caution against generalizing toxicity outcomes across taxa. Overall, the study underscores the environmental legacy of COVID-19-related waste able to release a huge quantity of both micro- and nano-plastics with variable yet significant impacts on aquatic life.
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Comparative effects of polyvinyl chloride microplastics on the brittle star Ophiactis virens and the amphibian Xenopus laevis
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PVC microplastic fragments obtained by mechanically grinding a real plumbing pipe were tested on a brittle star and an African clawed frog, revealing toxicological effects in both models at environmentally relevant exposure scenarios.
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.
Environmental hazard of polypropylene microplastics from disposable medical masks: acute toxicity towards Daphnia magna and current knowledge on other polypropylene microplastics
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Researchers assessed the acute toxicity of polypropylene microplastics derived from disposable medical masks to Daphnia magna water fleas. They found that mask-derived microplastics caused toxic effects at environmentally relevant concentrations. The study raises concerns that the massive increase in disposable face mask use during the pandemic has introduced a new source of harmful microplastic pollution into aquatic environments.
Impact of face mask microplastics pollution on the aquatic environment and aquaculture organisms
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This review examines how the widespread use of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. Researchers found that mask materials made from polymers like polypropylene break down into microplastics through UV radiation and weathering, causing harm to aquatic organisms including reduced growth, neurotoxicity, and increased mortality. The study recommends developing biodegradable alternatives to plastic-based face masks to reduce environmental impact.
Evaluation of the toxicological effects of microparticles from disposable masks on the test organism Oreochromis niloticus
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Researchers exposed Nile tilapia to microparticles shed from disposable COVID-19 face masks and found that polypropylene and polyester fibers from improperly discarded masks caused subchronic toxicity after 14 days of waterborne exposure. The study highlights how the massive increase in single-use mask disposal during the pandemic created a new and poorly recognized source of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. Fish health effects from mask-derived microplastics add to growing concerns about the ecological legacy of pandemic-era waste.
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