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Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering

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Million Microfiber Releases: Comparing Washable and Disposable Face Masks.

Yuyue Huang¹, Ayoub Laghrissi², Jacek Fiutowski²

¹Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense 5230, Denmark.

Environmental Science & Technology

|September 10, 2024

Summary

Disposable masks release fewer microfibers than washable masks, but both contaminate aquatic environments. Microfibers from disposable masks (polypropylene) and washable masks (PET, cellulose) show distinct toxic effects on zebrafish larvae.

Keywords:

early life microfiber shedding microplastics reusable masks single-use masks zebrafish

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Materials Science
Ecotoxicology

Background:

Extensive use of disposable face masks raises concerns about microfiber contamination.
Washable masks are promoted as eco-friendly alternatives, but their microfiber release and ecological impact are understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate and compare microfiber release from disposable and washable masks under various conditions.
To analyze the composition of released microfibers.
To assess the ecotoxicological effects of microfibers on zebrafish.

Main Methods:

Simulated aquatic environments and real-life scenarios (shaking, washing, disinfection).
Microscopy (fluorescence, He-ion) and spectroscopy (confocal μ-Raman) for microfiber analysis.
Acute toxicological assays using zebrafish larvae.

Main Results:

Disposable masks released 18–3042 microfibers/piece; washable masks released 6.1 × 10^4–6.7 × 10^6 microfibers/piece.
Disposable mask microfibers were mainly polypropylene (PP); washable mask microfibers were predominantly poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and cellulose.
PP microfibers affected zebrafish swimming behavior; PET microfibers delayed zebrafish hatching.

Conclusions:

Both disposable and washable masks contribute to microfiber pollution.
Washable masks may pose a greater microfiber release risk than disposable masks.
Microfiber contamination from face masks presents ecological concerns, necessitating further investigation.