Impact of microfiber pollution on aquatic biota: A critical analysis of effects and preventive measures

The widespread use of Personal protective equipments (PPEs) by the healthcare professionals and public due to Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has become a new source for MFs pollution. Mismanaged plastic wastes and ran -dom dispose of used surgical face mask end up in large aquatic bodies via small waterways and waste water treatment plants (WWTPs). Microplastics/Microfibres (MPs/MFs) have recently been reported in a variety of aquatic and terres-trial ecosystems, including water, deep sea sediments, air and soil. Natural components like UV radiation and temper-ature play a major role in weathering of surgical masks. High loads of MPs/MFs emitted into the aquatic environment are easily consumed by organism's habitat in such ecosystem by disrupting the food chain and causing chronic health problems in the organisms including humans. The aim of this review article is to shed light on these issues and compile the most recent information available regarding the deterioration of surgical face masks in the environment as well as other contaminants and their presence in various environments, particularly with regard to methods that make use of exposure models, biomarkers of exposure, and their limitations. Along with this, the study focuses on identifying gaps in current understanding and highlighting prospective research directions. The literature on surgical face mask pollu-tion and its effects on the biological and physiological systems of various organisms and ecosystems is critically analysed in this review. It also raises awareness of how to properly dispose of used surgical face masks and other PPEs.

Automated summary

The widespread use of personal protective equipments (PPEs) during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the pollution of aquatic ecosystems with microplastics/microfibres (MPs/MFs) from mismanaged plastic wastes and improper disposal of surgical face masks. These MPs/MFs, along with other contaminants, pose a threat to organisms and ecosystems by disrupting the food chain and causing chronic health problems. This review article aims to provide the latest information on the deterioration of surgical face masks in the environment, explore exposure models and biomarkers of exposure, identify research gaps, and raise awareness on proper disposal of used masks and PPEs.