Release of micro/nanoplastics from face masks into the marine environment: Measurements and ecotoxicity

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic induced an unprecedented flow of single-use plastics, mostly in the form of face masks. As significant amounts of face masks reached coastal envi- ronments, concerns regarding the impacts were raised. The present chapter deals with the release of microplastics and nanoplastics (MPs/PNPs), including the amount,characteristics, and analytical approaches, associated with face masks. Additionally,the current understanding of their ecotoxicological implications was summarized and discussed. Overall, face masks have been demonstrated to be a significant source of MPs/PNPs, with estimations reaching millions of particles released per mask, as well as growth-related sublethal effects on aquatic organisms. Nevertheless, some various uncertainties and questions remain unanswered.