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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to The Release Potential of Microplastics from Face Masks into the Aquatic Environment
ClearLong-term release kinetic characteristics of microplastic from commonly used masks into water under simulated natural environments
Researchers studied the long-term release of microplastics from four types of face masks (cotton, fashion, N95, and disposable surgical) in simulated natural water conditions over 12 months. The study found that all mask types continuously released microplastic fibers and fragments in a time-dependent manner, with particles predominantly smaller than 20 micrometers, accompanied by physical degradation and photo-oxidation. These findings suggest that improperly discarded masks are an ongoing source of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.
Kinetic characteristics of microplastic release from commonly used masks in aquatic environment
Researchers tested four mask types (normal, fashion, N95, and disposable surgical) by exposing them to simulated natural water environments over 12 months at 3-month intervals to characterize the kinetics of microplastic release. They found time-dependent release patterns that varied by mask construction, documenting structural degradation and quantifying microplastic fiber shedding as a function of duration, with implications for environmental risk assessment of pandemic-related mask pollution.
Release of microfibers from surgical face masks: an undesirable contributor to aquatic pollution
Researchers found that surgical face masks release large quantities of microfibers when exposed to aqueous conditions, identifying masks — whose global use surged during the COVID-19 pandemic — as a significant and underappreciated source of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.
Uncovering the Release of Micro/nanoplastics from Disposable Face Masks at Times of COVID-19
This study confirmed that disposable face masks release micro- and nanoplastic particles under environmental conditions including water exposure and mechanical stress. The release was enhanced by simulated weathering, raising concern about the environmental persistence and pollution potential of pandemic-era mask waste.
Release kinetics of microplastics from disposable face masks into the aqueous environment
Researchers measured microplastic release from three types of disposable face masks into water over 24 hours, characterizing the release kinetics and identifying mask type and environmental conditions as key factors affecting microplastic shedding rates.
Uncovering the Release of Micro/nanoplastics from Disposable Face Masks at Times of COVID-19
Researchers found that disposable face masks release significant amounts of micro- and nanoplastic particles when subjected to water exposure and mechanical stress similar to environmental conditions. This confirms that the massive use of masks during COVID-19 introduced new sources of microplastic pollution into the environment.
Uncovering the release of micro/nanoplastics from disposable face masks at times of COVID-19
Researchers investigated how disposable face masks release micro- and nanoplastics when exposed to mechanical stress in water, simulating environmental weathering. They found that even minimal deterioration of a single mask could release thousands of microplastic fibers and up to ten billion nanoscale particles. The study provides the first quantitative evidence of how pandemic-related mask waste may contribute to plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
Release study of microplastic fibres and heavy metals from disposable surgical face masks in aqueous medium: the effect of physio-chemical factors and shear forces
Researchers studied the release of microplastic fibers and heavy metals from disposable surgical face masks in water under various conditions. They found that physical factors like agitation and UV exposure significantly increased the rate of microplastic and metal release from the masks. The findings raise concerns about the environmental impact of discarded face masks as they degrade in aquatic systems.
Surgical face masks as a potential source for microplastic pollution in the COVID-19 scenario
Researchers investigated how disposable surgical face masks, widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, could become a significant new source of microplastic pollution. The study notes that masks made of polymeric materials can release microplastic fibers into aquatic environments where they may be ingested by fish and other organisms. The findings suggest that face mask waste deserves focused attention as a microplastic source, including better waste management systems.
Disposable face masks release micro particles to the aqueous environment after simulating sunlight aging: Microplastics or non-microplastics?
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.
Disposable masks release microplastics to the aqueous environment with exacerbation by natural weathering
Researchers studied how disposable face masks degrade and release microplastics when exposed to shoreline environmental conditions including UV radiation and wave action. The study found that natural weathering significantly exacerbated microplastic release from masks by altering their chemical composition and reducing mechanical strength, indicating that improperly discarded masks pose a growing threat to marine environments.
Neglected microplastics pollution in global COVID-19: Disposable surgical masks
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.
The Fate of Microplastics, Derived from Disposable Masks, in Natural Aquatic Environments
This review examines the fate of microplastic fibers released from disposable face masks in aquatic environments, noting that used masks can release up to 10,000 microplastic pieces per day per mask. The review covers transport mechanisms, surface interactions, and potential ecological impacts of mask-derived microplastics in water bodies.
Used disposable face masks are significant sources of microplastics to environment
Researchers evaluated whether disposable face masks release microplastics into water and found that used masks released significantly more particles than new ones, increasing from about 183 particles per piece for new masks to much higher levels after use. The study suggests that the massive increase in disposable mask consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic has made improperly discarded masks a significant new source of microplastic pollution.
Release of microplastics from disposable face mask in tropical climate
Researchers found that disposable face masks — a major source of pandemic waste — release hundreds of microplastic particles per mask into water, with release rates increasing significantly at higher temperatures and with longer aging, raising concerns about their contribution to environmental plastic pollution.
The behavior of microplastics and nanoplastics release from UV-aged masks in the water
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.
A review of disposable facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic: A focus on microplastics release
This review examines the environmental threats posed by disposable face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on microplastic release. Researchers found that discarded masks undergo physical and chemical degradation in the environment, generating microplastics that contaminate both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The study provides an overview of current knowledge on microplastic extraction methods and proposes strategies for controlling mask-related plastic pollution through source reduction and improved waste management.
Single-use surgical face masks, as a potential source of microplastics: Do they act as pollutant carriers?
Researchers investigated whether single-use surgical face masks, widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, are a potential source of microplastic fibers released into the environment. The study found that used masks entering uncontrolled waste streams can shed fibrous microplastics.
An investigation into the aging mechanism of disposable face masks and the interaction between different influencing factors
Researchers found that a single disposable face mask can release between 39,000 and 938,000 microplastic particles as it breaks down over three months under environmental conditions like UV light and saltwater. The aging masks also released heavy metals and absorbed other pollutants like antibiotics from their surroundings. This highlights that improperly discarded face masks are a significant and growing source of microplastic and chemical pollution.
A multi-analytical approach to investigate UV-induced degradation and micro/nanoparticle release from disposable plastic face masks
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.
Evaluation of the leaching of microplastics from discarded medical masks in aquatic environments: a case study of Mashhad city
Researchers tested ten brands of COVID-19 face masks for microplastic release in water, finding that N95 masks shed the most particles due to their heavier construction, with fibers being the most common shape released. The findings highlight that the billions of disposable masks used globally each month represent a significant and growing source of microplastic pollution in aquatic environments.
Microplastics/nanoplastics released from facemasks as contaminants of emerging concern
This review examines how disposable facemasks, made primarily from polypropylene and polyethylene, release microplastics and nanoplastics into the environment. Chemical, physical, and biological processes break down discarded masks into tiny plastic particles that persist in ecosystems. Given the billions of masks used during COVID-19, this represents a significant and growing source of microplastic pollution.
Face masks as a source of nanoplastics and microplastics in the environment: Quantification, characterization, and potential for bioaccumulation
Researchers found that each surgical or N95 face mask can release over one billion nanoplastic and microplastic particles, mostly smaller than one micrometer, when they break down. The study also detected microplastics in the nasal mucus of mask wearers, suggesting inhalation exposure during use. Additionally, mask-derived particles were shown to adsorb onto marine organisms across different levels of the food chain, raising concerns about both human health and environmental impacts.
Significant Fragmentation of Disposable Surgical Masks—Enormous Source for Problematic Micro/Nanoplastics Pollution in the Environment
Researchers found that improperly discarded disposable surgical masks lose up to 30% of their mass within one month outdoors, releasing micro- and nanoplastic particles from all five mask components through photodegradation and leaching into aquatic environments.