We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
UV-induced release and characterization of dissolved organic matter from disposable face mask layers and polypropylene
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how UV light causes different layers of disposable face masks to release dissolved organic matter into the environment. They found that all mask types and reference polypropylene microplastics continuously released organic compounds under UV exposure, with surgical masks and certain N95 layers producing the highest yields. The study reveals that weathering of discarded face masks creates a previously underappreciated source of chemical pollution in addition to the physical microplastic fragments they generate.
The global use of disposable facemasks (FMs), particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has raised environmental concerns. However, there is limited understanding of the weathering products and chemical characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from disposable FMs, including surgical (SFM), KN95, and N95. This study presents the first ply-specific investigation into the yields and chemical properties of DOM from these facemasks, alongside reference polypropylene (PP) microplastics, under UV-irradiation. All mask layers and PP microbeads showed significant continuous DOM release, with SFM and certain N95 layers (notably N95-1 and N95-2) exhibiting higher DOM yields. The yields and chemical properties of DOM are related to material composition of fibers and manufacturing procedures. In addition, UV-exposure generally led to decreased molecular weight and aromaticity of released-DOM, indicating concurrent production and degradation processes. The released-DOM had a size ranging from 200 to 1800 nm and was predominantly negatively charged. Surface morphological changes, observed via SEM, revealed fragmentation after UV-irradiation. EEM-FARAFAC analysis identified two protein-like and one humic-like fluorescent components, with mask-specific variations. This study enhances understanding of the photochemical behavior and degradation products and their chemical properties of different mask layers, offering insights into the fate and environmental impact of disposable masks in aquatic ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Micro- and nano-particles release from disposable plastic face masks under simulated UV weathering
AI summary Read the abstract
Disposable plastic face masks, widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, break down under UV exposure into a heterogeneous mix of microplastics and nanoplastics that can enter water, soil, and food chains. This study used state-of-the-art analytical tools to characterize the particles released, helping quantify masks as a significant novel source of environmental plastic pollution that emerged alongside the pandemic.
Disposable face masks release micro particles to the aqueous environment after simulating sunlight aging: Microplastics or non-microplastics?
AI summary Read the abstract
This study characterized particles released from surgical, N95, KN95, and children's masks after simulated sunlight aging, finding that most released particles (66-99%) were non-plastic materials such as synthetic or natural fibers. Children's masks released the most microplastics, at 8.92 times the quantity of surgical masks, with polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate as the dominant polymer types.
A multi-analytical approach to investigate UV-induced degradation and micro/nanoparticle release from disposable plastic face masks
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers subjected disposable face masks to long-term UV-B aging in water to assess degradation and pollutant release. Aging caused structural fragmentation, surface oxidation, and the release of chemical additives and micro/nano-plastic particles, demonstrating that improperly disposed masks become a persistent source of both MPs and chemical contaminants.
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.
Characterization of microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter in freshwater: Effects of light irradiation and polymer types
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined how different types of microplastics release dissolved organic matter into freshwater under light and dark conditions. They found that polypropylene released the most organic compounds after UV exposure, while protein-like substances were the main material released by most plastics in the dark. The study indicates that microplastics may have ongoing, long-term effects on water chemistry and microbial activity in natural water bodies.
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.