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Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
Release of microplastics and nanoplastics in water from disposable surgical masks after disinfection
1School of Resources and Environment, Qingdao Engineering Research Center for Rural Environment, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
Abstract:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, disposable surgical masks were generally disinfected and reused due to mask shortages. Herein, the role of disinfected masks as a source of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) was investigated. The amount of MPs and NPs released from masks disinfected by UV ranged from 1054 ± 106 to 2472 ± 70 and from 2.55 ± 0.22 × 109 to 6.72 ± 0.27 × 109 particles/piece, respectively, comparable to that of the undisinfected masks, and the MPs were changed to small-sized particles. The amount of MPs and NPs released after alcohol and steam treatment were respectively lower and higher than those from undisinfected masks, and MPs were shifted to small-sized particles. The amount of MPs and NPs released in water after autoclaving was lower than for undisinfected masks. In all, the amount of fibers released after disinfection decreased greatly, and certain disinfection processes were found to increase the amount of small-sized NPs released from masks into aqueous environments.
Insights
Disinfecting surgical masks during COVID-19 released microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). Some methods increased small plastic particle release, posing environmental concerns.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Materials Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Disposable surgical masks were widely reused during the COVID-19 pandemic due to shortages.
- Mask reuse involved disinfection methods, raising concerns about secondary environmental contamination.
- Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging environmental pollutants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the release of MPs and NPs from disinfected disposable surgical masks.
- To compare plastic particle release across different disinfection methods (UV, alcohol, steam, autoclaving).
- To assess the impact of disinfection on the size distribution of released plastic particles.
Main Methods:
- Disposable surgical masks were subjected to various disinfection treatments: UV irradiation, alcohol, steam, and autoclaving.
- The quantity of MPs and NPs released into aqueous environments was measured for each treatment.
- Particle size analysis was performed to observe changes in plastic fragments.
Main Results:
- UV disinfection released comparable amounts of MPs and NPs to undisinfected masks, with MPs shifting to smaller sizes.
- Alcohol treatment resulted in lower MP and NP release, while steam treatment increased release.
- Autoclaving reduced MP and NP release compared to undisinfected masks.
- Disinfection significantly decreased fiber release but certain methods increased small NP release.
Conclusions:
- Disinfection of surgical masks can be a source of microplastic and nanoplastic pollution.
- The type of disinfection method influences the quantity and size of released plastic particles.
- Understanding plastic release from reused masks is crucial for environmental risk assessment.
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