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Tang S, Zhang Q, Xu H, Zhu M, Nahid Pervez M, Wu B, Zhao Y. Fabric structure and polymer composition as key contributors to micro(nano)plastic contamination in face masks. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135089. [PMID: 38959827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The surge in face mask use due to COVID-19 has raised concerns about micro(nano)plastics (MNPs) from masks. Herein, focusing on fabric structure and polymer composition, we investigated MNP generation characteristics, mechanisms, and potential risks of surgical polypropylene (PP) and fashionable polyurethane (PU) masks during their wearing and photoaging based on stereomicroscope, μ-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. Compared with new PP and PU masks (66 ± 16 MPs/PP-mask, 163 ± 83 MPs/PU-mask), single- and multiple-used masks exhibited remarkably increased MP type and abundance (600-1867 MPs/PP-mask, 607-2167 MPs/PU-mask). Disinfection exacerbated endogenous MP generation in masks, with washing (416 MPs/PP-mask, 30,708 MPs/PU-mask) being the most prominent compared to autoclaving (219 MPs/PP-mask, 553 MPs/PU-mask) and alcohol spray (162 MPs/PP-mask, 18,333 MPs/PU-mask). Photoaging led to massive generation of MPs (8.8 × 104-3.7 × 105 MPs/PP-layer, 1.0 × 105 MPs/PU-layer) and NPs (5.2 × 109-3.6 × 1013 NPs/PP-layer, 3.5 × 1012 NPs/PU-layer) from masks, presenting highly fabric structure-dependent aging modes as "fragmentation" for fine fiber-structure PP mask and "erosion" for 3D mesh-structure PU mask. The MNPs derived from PP/PU mask caused significant deformities of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. These findings underscore the potential adverse effects of masks on humans and aquatic organisms, advocating to enhance proper use and rational disposal for masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Tang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area of Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, Institute of Eco-Chongming and School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area of Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, Institute of Eco-Chongming and School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; School of Public Health, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang 261053, China
| | - Haowen Xu
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mengyuan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Md Nahid Pervez
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Bing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yaping Zhao
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Biotransformation of Organic Solid Waste, Technology Innovation Center for Land Spatial Eco-restoration in Metropolitan Area of Ministry of Natural Resources, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Process and Eco-Restoration, Institute of Eco-Chongming and School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China.
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2
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Kang A, Luo Y, Luo Q, Li S, Tang Y, Yi F, Zhang H, Chen Y, Jia M, Xiong W, Yang Z, Xu H. An investigation into the aging mechanism of disposable face masks and the interaction between different influencing factors. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135308. [PMID: 39053070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
In the natural environment, a symphony of environmental factors including sunlight exposure, current fluctuations, sodium chloride concentrations, and sediment dynamics intertwine, potentially magnifying the impacts on the aging process of disposable face masks (DFMs), thus escalating environmental risks. Employing Regular Two-Level Factorial Design, the study scrutinized interactive impacts of ultraviolet radiation, sand abrasion, acetic acid exposure, sodium chloride levels, and mechanical agitation on mask aging. Aging mechanisms and environmental risks linked with DFMs were elucidated through two-dimensional correlation analyses and risk index method. Following a simulated aging duration of three months, a single mask exhibited the propensity to release a substantial quantity of microplastics, ranging from 38,800 ± 360 to 938,400 ± 529 particles, and heavy metals, with concentrations from 0.06 ± 0.02 μg/g (Pb) to 29.01 ± 1.83 μg/g (Zn). Besides, specific contaminants such as zinc ions (24.24 μg/g), chromium (VI) (4.20 μg/g), thallium (I) (0.92 μg/g), tetracycline (0.51 μg/g), and acenaphthene (1.73 μg/g) can be adsorbed significantly by aged masks. The study elucidates pivotal role of interactions between ultraviolet radiation and acetic acid exposure in exacerbating the environmental risks associated with masks, while emphasizing the pronounced influence of many other interactions. The research provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate aging processes and ensuing environmental risks posed by DFMs, offering valuable insights essential for developing sustainable management strategies in aquatic ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Kang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yuanling Luo
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; Changsha Environmental Protection College, Changsha 410004, China.
| | - Qiao Luo
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Siyu Li
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Yi Tang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Fan Yi
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Honglin Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yalin Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Meiying Jia
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China
| | - Weiping Xiong
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhaohui Yang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Haiyin Xu
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China.
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3
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Zhao X, Gao P, Zhao Z, Wu Y, Sun H, Liu C. Microplastics release from face masks: Characteristics, influential factors, and potential risks. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171090. [PMID: 38387585 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks have been used popularly and disposed of improperly, leading to the generation of a large amount of microplastics. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive insight into the characteristics of mask-derived microplastics, the influential factors of microplastics release, and the potential risks of these microplastics to the environment and organisms. Mask-derived microplastics were predominantly transparent fibers, with a length of <1 mm. The release of microplastics from masks is mainly influenced by mask types, use habits, and weathering conditions. Under the same conditions, surgical masks release more microplastics than other types of masks. Long-term wearing of masks and the disinfection for reuse can promote the release of microplastics. Environmental media, UV irradiation, temperature, pH value, and mechanical shear can also influence the microplastics release. The risks of mask-derived microplastics to human health via inhalation cannot be neglected. Future studies should pay more attention to the release of microplastics from the masks with alternative materials and under more weathering conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Panpan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Ziqing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yinghong Wu
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin 300011, China
| | - Hongwen Sun
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chunguang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China.
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4
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Soo JC, Wei CH, Chen JK, Dong GC, Liu ZS, Chou HC, Perez RL, Adhikari A, Chen YC. Assessment of inhalation exposure to microplastic particles when disposable masks are repeatedly used. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169428. [PMID: 38104815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Wearing masks to prevent infectious diseases, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, is common. However, concerns arise about inhalation exposure to microplastics (MPs) when disposable masks are improperly reused. In this study, we assessed whether disposable masks release inhalable MPs when reused in simulated wearing conditions. All experiments were conducted using a controlled test chamber setup with a constant inspiratory flow. Commercially available medical masks with a three-layer material, composition comprising polypropylene (PP in the outer and middle layers) and polyethylene (PE in the inner layer), were used as the test material. Brand-new masks with and without hand rubbing, as well as reused medical masks, were tested. Physical properties (number, size, and shape) and chemical composition (polymers) were identified using various analytical techniques such as fluorescence staining, fluorescence microscopy, and micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (μFTIR). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to scrutinize the surface structure of reused masks across different layers, elucidating the mechanism behind the MP generation. The findings revealed that brand-new masks subjected to hand rubbing exhibited a higher cumulative count of MPs, averaging approximately 1.5 times more than those without hand rubbing. Fragments remained the predominant shape across all selected size classes among the released MPs from reused masks, primarily through a physical abrasion mechanism, accounting for >90 % of the total MPs. The numbers of PE particles were higher than PP particles, indicating that the inner layer of the mask contributed more inhalable MPs than the middle and outer layers combined. The released MPs from reused masks reached their peak after 8 h of wearing. This implies that regularly replacing masks serves as a preventive measure and mitigates associated health risks of inhalation exposure to MPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhy-Charm Soo
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
| | - Chun-Hsuan Wei
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Kun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Chung Dong
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Nanomedicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Zhen-Shu Liu
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Chuan Chou
- Institute of Analytical and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Rocio L Perez
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics, College of Science and Mathematics, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
| | - Atin Adhikari
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
| | - Yu-Cheng Chen
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan; Department of Occupational Safety and Health, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National United University, Miaoli, Taiwan.
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5
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Hu F, Zhao H, Ding J, Jing C, Zhang W, Chen X. Uptake and toxicity of micro-/nanoplastics derived from naturally weathered disposable face masks in developing zebrafish: Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on aquatic life. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123129. [PMID: 38092337 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The unprecedented proliferation of disposable face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with their improper disposal, threatens to exacerbate the already concerning issue of plastic pollution. This study evaluates the role of environmentally weathered masks as potential sources of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) and assesses their adverse impact on the early life stages of zebrafish. Experimental findings revealed that a single disposable mask could release approximately 1.79 × 109 particles, with nearly 70% measuring less than 1 μm, following 60 days of sunlight exposure and subsequent sand-induced physical abrasion. Remarkably, the MPs/NPs (MNPs) emanating from face masks have the potential to permeate the outer layer (chorion) of zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, due to their minute size, these particles can be consumed by the larvae's digestive system and subsequently circulated to other tissues, including the brain. Exposure to mask-derived MNPs at concentrations of 1 and 10 μg/L led to significant cases of developmental toxicity, incited oxidative stress, and prompted cell apoptosis. A subsequent metabolomics analysis indicated that the accumulation of these plastic particles perturbed metabolic functions in zebrafish larvae, primarily disrupting amino acid and lipid metabolism. The outcomes of this research underscore the accelerating possibility of environmental aging processes and physical abrasion in the release of MNPs from disposable face masks. Most importantly, these results shed light on the possible ecotoxicological risk posed by improperly disposed of face masks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxiao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Haocheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Jieyu Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Chen Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Weini Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Xinhua Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Mariculture Breeding, Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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6
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Chen R, Zhao X, Wu X, Wang J, Wang X, Liang W. Research progress on occurrence characteristics and source analysis of microfibers in the marine environment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 198:115834. [PMID: 38061148 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic microfiber pollution is a growing concern in the marine environment. However, critical issues associated with microfiber origins in marine environments have not been resolved. Herein, the potential sources of marine microfibers are systematically reviewed. The obtained results indicate that surface runoffs are primary contributors that transport land-based microfibers to oceans, and the breakdown of larger fiber plastic waste due to weathering processes is also a notable secondary source of marine microfibers. Additionally, there are three main approaches for marine microplastic source apportionment, namely, anthropogenic source classification, statistical analysis, and numerical simulations based on the Lagrangian particle tracking method. These methods establish the connections between characteristics, transport pathways and sources of microplastics, which provides new insights to further conduct microfiber source apportionment. This study helps to better understand sources analysis and transport pathways of microfibers into oceans and presents a scientific basis to further control microfiber pollution in marine environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouzheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China.
| | - Xiaowei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Junyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 10012, China
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7
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Shi C, Liu Z, Yu B, Zhang Y, Yang H, Han Y, Wang B, Liu Z, Zhang H. Emergence of nanoplastics in the aquatic environment and possible impacts on aquatic organisms. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167404. [PMID: 37769717 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Plastic production on a global scale is instrumental in advancing modern society. However, plastic can be broken down by mechanical and chemical forces of humans and nature, and knowledge of the fate and effects of plastic, especially nanoplastics, in the aquatic environment remains poor. We provide an overview of current knowledge on the environmental occurrence and toxicity of nanoplastics, and suggestions for future research. There are nanoplastics present in seas, rivers, and nature reserves from Asia, Europe, Antarctica, and the Arctic Ocean at levels of 0.3-488 microgram per liter. Once in the aquatic environment, nanoplastics accumulate in plankton, nekton, benthos through ingestion and adherence, with multiple toxic results including inhibited growth, reproductive abnormalities, oxidative stress, and immune system dysfunction. Further investigations should focus on chemical analysis methods for nanoplastics, effect and mechanism of nanoplastics at environmental relevant concentrations in aquatic organisms, as well as the mechanism of the Trojan horse effect of nanoplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoli Shi
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhiqun Liu
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Bingzhi Yu
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yinan Zhang
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Yu Han
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Binhao Wang
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhiquan Liu
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, Shanghai Academy of Environment Sciences, Shanghai 200233, China.
| | - Hangjun Zhang
- Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China; Hangzhou Internation Urbanology Research Center, Hangzhou 311121, China
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Cimini A, Borgioni A, Passarini E, Mancini C, Proietti A, Buccini L, Stornelli E, Schifano E, Dinarelli S, Mura F, Sergi C, Bavasso I, Cortese B, Passeri D, Imperi E, Rinaldi T, Picano A, Rossi M. Upscaling of Electrospinning Technology and the Application of Functionalized PVDF-HFP@TiO 2 Electrospun Nanofibers for the Rapid Photocatalytic Deactivation of Bacteria on Advanced Face Masks. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:4586. [PMID: 38231986 PMCID: PMC10708761 DOI: 10.3390/polym15234586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Electrospinning (ES) has been revealed to be a straightforward and innovative approach to manufacture functionalized nanofiber-based membranes with high filtering performance against fine Particulate Matter (PM) and proper bioactive properties. These qualities are useful for tackling current issues from bacterial contamination on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) surfaces to the reusability of both disposable single-use face masks and respirator filters. Despite the fact that the conventional ES process can be upscaled to promote a high-rate nanofiber production, the number of research works on the design of hybrid materials embedded in electrospun membranes for face mask application is still low and has mainly been carried out at the laboratory scale. In this work, a multi-needle ES was employed in a continuous processing for the manufacturing of both pristine Poly (Vinylidene Fluoride-co-Hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanofibers and functionalized membrane ones embedded with TiO2 Nanoparticles (NPs) (PVDF-HFP@TiO2). The nanofibers were collected on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) nonwoven spunbond fabric and characterized by using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), Raman spectroscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) analysis. The photocatalytic study performed on the electrospun membranes proved that the PVDF-HFP@TiO2 nanofibers provide a significant antibacterial activity for both Staphylococcus aureus (~94%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (~85%), after only 5 min of exposure to a UV-A light source. In addition, the PVDF-HFP@TiO2 nanofibers exhibit high filtration efficiency against submicron particles (~99%) and a low pressure drop (~3 mbar), in accordance with the standard required for Filtering Face Piece masks (FFPs). Therefore, these results aim to provide a real perspective on producing electrospun polymer-based nanotextiles with self-sterilizing properties for the implementation of advanced face masks on a large scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Cimini
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy (A.P.); (L.B.); (E.S.); (D.P.)
- Industrial Research Laboratory, LABOR s.r.l., Via Giacomo Peroni 386, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Borgioni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Elena Passarini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Chiara Mancini
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy (A.P.); (L.B.); (E.S.); (D.P.)
| | - Anacleto Proietti
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy (A.P.); (L.B.); (E.S.); (D.P.)
| | - Luca Buccini
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy (A.P.); (L.B.); (E.S.); (D.P.)
| | - Eleonora Stornelli
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy (A.P.); (L.B.); (E.S.); (D.P.)
| | - Emily Schifano
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Simone Dinarelli
- Institute for the Structure of Matter (ISM), National Research Council (CNR), Via del Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Mura
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy (A.P.); (L.B.); (E.S.); (D.P.)
- Research Center for Nanotechnology for Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Sergi
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome & UdR INSTM, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Bavasso
- Department of Chemical Engineering Materials Environment, Sapienza University of Rome & UdR INSTM, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Cortese
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Nanotechnology (CNR Nanotec), c/o Edificio Fermi, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Daniele Passeri
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy (A.P.); (L.B.); (E.S.); (D.P.)
- Research Center for Nanotechnology for Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Imperi
- Industrial Research Laboratory, LABOR s.r.l., Via Giacomo Peroni 386, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Rinaldi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (E.P.)
| | - Alfredo Picano
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute for Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), Via Piero Gobetti 101, 40129 Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Rossi
- Department of Basic and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via A. Scarpa 16, 00161 Rome, Italy (A.P.); (L.B.); (E.S.); (D.P.)
- Research Center for Nanotechnology for Engineering of Sapienza (CNIS), Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Aslan H, Yılmaz O, Benfield MC, Becan SA. Temporal trends in personal protective equipment (PPE) debris during the COVID-19 pandemic in Çanakkale (Turkey). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 898:165377. [PMID: 37422228 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
This study examines trends in PPE (masks, gloves) and disinfecting wipes over three years of the pandemic. The densities of discarded masks, wet wipes, and gloves (personal protective equipment: PPE), were quantified on the streets of Canakkale, Turkey during similar time periods in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Geotagged images of PPE on the streets and sidewalks were documented with a smartphone, while the track of an observer was recorded using a fitness tracker app along a 7.777 km long survey route in the city center, parallel to the Dardanelles Strait. A total of 18 surveys were conducted over three years, and the survey route was subdivided into three zones based on utilization patterns: pedestrian zone, traffic zone and a recreational park zone. The combined densities of all types of PPE density were high in 2020, lower in 2021 and highest in 2022. The within year trend showed an increase over the three study years. The average density of gloves declined from an initially high level in 2020, when the SARS-CoV-2 virus was thought to be transmitted by contact, to near zero in 2021 and to zero in 2022. Densities of wipes were similar in 2020 and 2021 and higher in 2022. Masks were initially difficult to procure in 2020, and their densities progressively increased during that year reaching a plateau in 2021 with similar densities in 2022. PPE densities were significantly lower in the pedestrian route relative to the traffic and park routes, which were not different from each other. The partial curfews implemented by the Turkish government and the effects of prevention measures taken on the PPE concentration in the streets are discussed along with the importance of waste management practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Herdem Aslan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey.
| | - Okan Yılmaz
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Mark C Benfield
- Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - S Ahmet Becan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Turkey
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