Insight into the microplastics release from disposable face mask: Simulated environment and removal strategy

Release of microplastics from disposable face mask in tropical climate

“…They compared the MPs release from new and old disposable face masks by keeping the masks in DI water on rotatory shaker for 24 h. The average abundance varied from 183.00 ± 78.42 particles/piece for new masks to 1246.62 ± 403.50 particles/piece for old masks. Jiang et al (2022) observed the MPs release from activated carbon mask, medical mask and N-95 mask in presence of ultrapure water after 24 h duration. The MPs abundance was observed in the range of 1600 ± 237 items per piece/day, 1447 ± 218 and 1339 ± 166 respectively for activated carbon mask, medical mask and N-95 mask.…”

“…We have conducted a similar study but for a higher exposure time with controlled conditions and in presence of tap water/fresh water in place of seawater. In some studies MPs abundance has been measured after every 24 h duration for upto 7 days ( Jiang et al, 2022 , Liang et al, 2022 ) while in this study different samples were used for different incubation time. Sun et al (2021) compared the release of MPs from new and old surgical masks in the presence of artificial seawater on day 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 day from the same mask sample at 25 °C.…”

“…In certain parts of the country, summer temperatures touches 45–48 C, this prompted us to study the effect of increased temperature on release of MPs. Further Jiang et al (2022) considered temperature to be one of the crucial driving factor for MPs release in the environment. They studied the release of MPs from 8 h worn mask in a temperature controlled lab.…”

“…It has been observed that release of MPs from synthetic polymer based fabric is directly proportional to the temperature ( Periyasamy, 2021 ). Jiang et al (2022) studied the environmental effects (such as temperature upto 40 °C), incubation time of 1 to 7 days and wearing time on MPs release from face mask based on the regression analysis. Sun et al (2021) investigated the kinetic release of PP surgical masks in marine environment and its toxicological effects on marine copepod.…”

Direct and Indirect Impacts of Disposable Face Masks and Gloves on Freshwater Benthic Fauna and Sediment Biogeochemistry

“…There was also a significant increase in disposable masks found along coastlines. , Recent estimates suggest that more than 129 billion face masks and 65 billion gloves were used each month during the height of the pandemic, of which a fraction has entered the environment . Additionally, face masks have been identified as a source of secondary microplastics, − with studies determining that polypropylene masks can shed between 100 and 2000 microfibers in as little as 7 days, in addition to fragments of polyester. − Face masks may also be a source of phthalates to the environment. ,, Moreover, due to initial concern over the persistence of COVID-19 on plastic surfaces, , waste management policies limited plastic recycling and suspended policy enactment, including postponing plastic bag bans to minimize contamination. , These practical shifts enacted to protect exposure to pathogens exacerbated plastic debris, and especially PPE, input to the environment …”