Xu Zhao , Panpan Gao , Ziqing Zhao , Yinghong Wu , Hongwen Sun , Chunguang Liu
{"title":"Microplastics release from face masks: Characteristics, influential factors, and potential risks","authors":"Xu Zhao , Panpan Gao , Ziqing Zhao , Yinghong Wu , Hongwen Sun , Chunguang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171090","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Since the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been used popularly and disposed of improperly, leading to the generation of a large amount of microplastics. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive insight into the characteristics of mask-derived microplastics, the influential factors of microplastics release, and the potential risks of these microplastics to the environment and organisms. Mask-derived microplastics were predominantly transparent fibers, with a length of <1 mm. The release of microplastics from masks is mainly influenced by mask types, use habits, and weathering conditions. Under the same conditions, surgical masks release more microplastics than other types of masks. Long-term wearing of masks and the disinfection for reuse can promote the release of microplastics. Environmental media, UV irradiation, temperature, pH value, and mechanical shear can also influence the microplastics release. The risks of mask-derived microplastics to human health via inhalation cannot be neglected. Future studies should pay more attention to the release of microplastics from the masks with alternative materials and under more weathering conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":422,"journal":{"name":"Science of the Total Environment","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":8.2000,"publicationDate":"2024-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Science of the Total Environment","FirstCategoryId":"93","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969724012294","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been used popularly and disposed of improperly, leading to the generation of a large amount of microplastics. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive insight into the characteristics of mask-derived microplastics, the influential factors of microplastics release, and the potential risks of these microplastics to the environment and organisms. Mask-derived microplastics were predominantly transparent fibers, with a length of <1 mm. The release of microplastics from masks is mainly influenced by mask types, use habits, and weathering conditions. Under the same conditions, surgical masks release more microplastics than other types of masks. Long-term wearing of masks and the disinfection for reuse can promote the release of microplastics. Environmental media, UV irradiation, temperature, pH value, and mechanical shear can also influence the microplastics release. The risks of mask-derived microplastics to human health via inhalation cannot be neglected. Future studies should pay more attention to the release of microplastics from the masks with alternative materials and under more weathering conditions.
期刊介绍:
The Science of the Total Environment is an international journal dedicated to scientific research on the environment and its interaction with humanity. It covers a wide range of disciplines and seeks to publish innovative, hypothesis-driven, and impactful research that explores the entire environment, including the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and anthroposphere.
The journal's updated Aims & Scope emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary environmental research with broad impact. Priority is given to studies that advance fundamental understanding and explore the interconnectedness of multiple environmental spheres. Field studies are preferred, while laboratory experiments must demonstrate significant methodological advancements or mechanistic insights with direct relevance to the environment.