Uncovering the release of micro/nanoplastics from disposable face masks at times of COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: Wearing face masks is a fundamental prevention and control measure to limit the spread of COVID-19. The universal use and improper disposal of single-use face masks are raising serious concerns for their environmental impact, owing to the foregone contribution to plastic water pollution during and beyond the pandemic. This study aims to uncover the release of micro/nanoplastics generated from face mask nonwoven textiles once discarded in the aquatic environment. As assessed by microscopy and flow cytometry, the exposure to different levels of mechanical stress forces (from low to high shear stress intensities) was proved effective in breaking and fragmenting face mask fabrics into smaller debris, including macro-, micro-, and nano-plastics. Even at the low level of fabric deterioration fol

SUBMITTER: Morgana S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8234265 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature