Release of microplastics and nanoplastics in water from disposable surgical masks after disinfection

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 2472 +/- 70 and from 2.55 +/- 0.22 x 109 to 6.72 +/- 0.27 x 109 particles/piece, respectively, comparable to that 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.

Automated summary

This study investigated the role of disinfected masks as a source of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). The findings showed that UV-disinfected masks released similar amounts of MPs and NPs compared to undisinfected masks, while the amounts released after alcohol and steam treatment were lower and higher, respectively.