Face mask structure, degradation, and interaction with marine biota: A review

The COVID-19 pandemic signified an unprecedented driver of plastic pollution, mainly composed of single-use face masks (FMs). Aiming to understand their negative impact (whether aged or not)on the trophic chain, biotic (e.g., bio-incrustation) and abiotic factors (e.g., UV-light, mechanical abrasion) which affect the toxicological pro-file of FMs or their sub-products (mainly microplastics, MPs, and nanoplastics, PNPs) were studied. In addition to the capacity of FMs to be an immediate source of MPs/PNPs, according to reports in the scientific literature, they are also good substrates since they tend to facilitate the proliferation and transport of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, pathogens such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus, contaminating water sources and facilitating the enrich-ment and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) in the environment. However, there is limited research on macrofouling and species dispersal. Therefore, the present review aimed to provide an updated and summa-rized analysis of the environmental and ecotoxicological contribution of this type of waste as well as literature regarding face mask degradation and MPs and/or PNPs release, interaction with biota, colonization in addition to recommendations for future studies.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in plastic pollution, particularly due to the use of single-use face masks. The negative impact of these masks on the trophic chain is influenced by factors such as bio-incrustation, UV-light exposure, and mechanical abrasion, which affect the toxicological characteristics of microplastics and nanoplastics released from the masks. Besides being a direct source of microplastics and nanoplastics, face masks also facilitate the proliferation and transport of organisms and pathogens, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus, contaminating water sources and spreading antibiotic resistance genes. However, there is limited research on macrofouling and species dispersal. Therefore, this review provides an updated and summarized analysis of the environmental and ecotoxicological contribution of face mask waste, including degradation, release of microplastics and nanoplastics, interaction with organisms, colonization, and recommendations for future studies.