The Process of Microplastic Release from Personal Protective

Equipment and Its Impact on the Environment

Zelin Wu

College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, 100091, China

Keywords: Microplastics, Detection Methods, Covid-19, Environmental Pollution.

Abstract: This study focuses on the significant issue of microplastic release from personal protective equipment (PPE),

particularly face masks, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Microplastics, defined as synthetic particles smaller

than 5 mm, have gained considerable attention due to their widespread environmental dissemination and

potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. By employing a comprehensive set of detection

techniques, including visual inspection, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman

spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and thermal analysis, this research aims to provide a detailed

understanding of the microplastic release process from PPE. The results highlight the scale of the problem

and emphasize the need for urgent action to mitigate microplastic pollution. To this end, the study proposes a

multifaceted approach that involves strengthened regulatory frameworks, improved PPE design that

minimizes microplastic release, and increased investment in research to advance our knowledge and develop

effective control strategies. This work serves to raise public awareness of the issue, enhances our

comprehension of microplastic sources and transmission pathways, and lays a solid scientific foundation for

environmental protection and public health initiatives aimed at preventing and controlling microplastic

pollution.

1 INTRODUCTION

Microplastics, defined as synthetic solid particles or

polymeric matrices with dimensions ranging from 1

mm to 5 mm, can originate from primary or secondary

manufacturing processes and are characterized by

their insolubility in water (Frias and Nash, 2019).

These particles are categorized as primary or

secondary microplastics based on their source.

Primary microplastics predominantly originate from

industrial products and personal protective equipment,

whereas secondary microplastics are derived from the

breakdown of larger plastic waste through various

physical, chemical, and biological processes. The

widespread environmental dissemination of

microplastics and their adverse biological and

ecological impacts are causes for concern. Notably,

these particles can accumulate within the food chain;

as the trophic level increases, the concentration of

microplastics in organisms also escalates. Marine

organisms, especially, may harbor significant amounts

of microplastic particles due to their feeding habits

(Laskar and Kumar, 2019). When consumed by

humans, these microplastics can enter the body,

leading to various health complications. Specifically,

microplastics are not absorbed by the human body and

may accumulate in the gut, causing constipation,

irritable bowel syndrome, gut flora disruption, and

altered intestinal permeability. Furthermore,

microplastics can release chemicals that may damage

the endocrine system, resulting in hormonal

imbalances, impaired reproductive and developmental

functions, and potential effects on the cardiovascular

and nervous systems. Therefore, the investigation and

mitigation of microplastics are of utmost importance.

With the heightened awareness of self-protection

and the ongoing development of social industries, the

use of masks has become increasingly prevalent. This

trend has been further exacerbated by the outbreak of

COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in 2019, prompting

widespread adoption of disposable masks globally to

mitigate disease transmission. According to the World

Health Organization, approximately 89 million

procedural masks were required monthly to manage

COVID-19 (Sommerstein et al., 2020). However, this

widespread use has given rise to environmental

concerns, particularly regarding discarded masks.

Improper disposal of these masks, evident in locations

such as Hong Kong beaches and Nigerian roads and

Wu, Z.

The Process of Microplastic Release from Personal Protective Equipment and Its Impact on the Environment.

DOI: 10.5220/0013844600004914

Paper published under CC license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem (ICREE 2024), pages 47-51

ISBN: 978-989-758-776-4

drainage systems, not only detracts from the urban

landscape but also potentially hinders tourism and

economic progress, degrades air quality, undermines

soil and microbial diversity, and harms ecosystems.

The environmental impact of these discarded masks is

intricately linked to their material composition.

Disposable masks typically consist of three layers: an

inner layer of standard hygienic gauze or non-woven

fabric, a middle layer of ultrafine polypropylene fiber

melt-blown material, and an outer layer of specialized

antibacterial material. During decomposition, these

materials release microplastics, posing significant

environmental pollution and waste challenges.

This study aims to examine the process of

microplastic release from personal protective

equipment, identifying microplastics as an emerging

contaminant and offering recommendations to

enhance our understanding of the microplastic release

process through advanced detection techniques. The

significance of this research lies in its potential to

enhance our comprehension of microplastic sources

and transmission pathways, providing a scientific

foundation for the development of effective

microplastic pollution prevention and control

strategies. By assessing the strengths and weaknesses

of various detection methods, this study also paves the

way for future microplastic detection and management

efforts, thereby playing a pivotal role in environmental

protection and public health advancement.

2 METHODS FOR DETECTING

MICROPLASTIC RELEASE

FROM PERSONAL

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

(PPE)

2.1 Visual Inspection Method

Researchers primarily utilize the visual inspection

method, which involves naked-eye observation and

microscopic examination, to enumerate sample

particles. Microscopy aids researchers in

distinguishing microplastics by magnifying their

surface texture and structure, thereby minimizing

interference from other organic and inorganic

substances adhering to the mask's surface. However,

recent studies indicate a misidentification rate

exceeding 20% for plastic-like particles using

microscopy, with a notably high misidentification

rate of up to 70% for transparent microplastics (Ho

and Not, 2019). Such deviations can arise from

various factors, including potential oversights during

scientific observation or the inherently challenging

nature of observing extremely small microplastic

particles. To enhance accuracy, samples frequently

undergo pretreatment, commonly involving staining

with a Nile red solution. This staining process enables

the particles to fluoresce green under a fluorescence

microscope, facilitating easier detection by the

observer.

2.2 Spectral Analysis Method

FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)

stands as a prevalent technique in chemical analysis,

notably adept at detecting microplastics. IR

spectroscopy operates by gauging the transitions

between molecular vibrational energy levels through

the absorption of radiation (Xu et al., 2019). Distinct

materials exhibit unique absorption spectra, forming

the scientific grounds for material differentiation. By

referencing spectral databases, unknown materials

can be accurately identified, and chemical images

subsequently generated. Technological

advancements have refined FTIR and spawned

numerous derivatives. Notably, FTIR

microspectroscopy boasts the capability to detect

samples exceeding 10 μm. Additionally, focal plane

array spectroscopy offers insights into the chemical

and physical attributes of analyzed particles

(Ramsperger et al., 2020).

Raman spectroscopy, another valuable tool,

employs scattered light emerging from the interaction

of light and matter to dissect the chemical structure of

substances. Upon light's impact on a sample, the

majority of it scatters at an unchanged frequency, a

phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering.

However, a minor fraction of light, upon colliding

with sample molecules, undergoes a frequency shift,

termed Raman scattering. This frequency alteration

correlates with the vibration and rotational energy

levels of the sample molecules, enabling the

identification of different species. Hyperspectral

imaging, a cutting-edge technology, excels in spectral

resolution and captures spectral data within narrow

bands. This capability allows for the precise

identification of spectral signatures among various

materials, facilitating material resolution and

identification.

2.3 Thermal Analysis Method

Thermal analysis, while being an effective technique,

involves the decomposition of the sample. This

process entails heating the plastic sample to high

ICREE 2024 - International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem

temperatures, leading to its decomposition and the

formation of new products. Subsequently, the

characteristic pyrogram of the microplastic is

juxtaposed with a reference pyrogram derived from a

known pure polymer. This comparison aids in

determining the polymer type of the microplastic

(Aragaw, 2020). By systematically varying the

temperature, measuring the heat absorption and

release differences between the sample and the

reference, and mapping the correlation between

temperature and these differences, the detection of

microplastics and the identification of their substance

type become feasible. Thermal investigations

conducted on the inner and outer layers of the mask

reveal distinct peak endothermic temperatures of 130,

125, and 175°C for the respective layers (Stubbins

et al., 2021). When benchmarked against a reference,

it becomes evident that the mask primarily consists of

polypropylene plastic, highlighting the plastic

composition as its main constituent.

Table 1 comprehensively outlines the strengths and

weaknesses of the aforementioned five

methodologies. Each method exhibits unique

applicability and constraints. In practical applications,

the choice of a suitable assay or the combination of

multiple approaches may be necessary to achieve

optimal analytical results. This selection should be

guided by factors such as specific analytical goals,

sample attributes, budgetary constraints, and ease of

execution.

Table 1. Advantages and disadvantages of thermal analysis methods

Detection method Advantages Disadvantages

The visual

inspection method

Low cost

Simple operation

Can directly see the shape and size of

microplastics

Cannot directly detect the properties of microplastic

samples

High rate of incorrect identification

Cannot directly detect properties

The samples need to be pretreated

FTIR

Can detect the degree of oxidation of

this type of microplastic

Relatively high accuracy

Ensure the integrity of the sample

Small amount of sample is required.

Expensive

High operational requirements

High sample requirements: the samples must be

infrared active, free of additives, not specially treated,

larger than 20μm in size, and with a purity of over

98%.

Raman

spectroscopy

Relatively high accuracy.

Ensure the integrity of the sample.

The required amount of sample is

small

Capable of detecting microplastic

samples larger than 1μm

The moisture content requirement for

the sample is also relatively low

Prone to interference from fluorescent background

signals of additives and pigment-like chemicals

Susceptible to contamination by impurities, requiring

sample pretreatment

Hyperspectral

imaging method

Fast response

High resolution

Ensure the integrity of the sample

Unable to identify the polymers of microplastics

Low accuracy

Thermal analysis

method

High sensitivity with accuracy of mass

change up to 10^-5

No special requirements for the sample

Requires only a small amount of

sample

Sample is destroyed during operation

Operation technique is relatively complex

Analysis of characteristic pyrolysis diagram requires

corresponding theoretical knowledge

The Process of Microplastic Release from Personal Protective Equipment and Its Impact on the Environment

3 CHANGES IN

MICROPLASTICS IN CHINESE

SOIL BEFORE AND AFTER

COVID-19

Before the epidemic in 2019, the abundance of

microplastics in farmland soils of Shaanxi Province

ranged between 1430 and 3410 items per kilogram

(Ding et al., 2020). However, in 2024, post-epidemic

data revealed a significant surge in the average

abundance of microplastics in a representative

agricultural region of Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province,

reaching 4505 items per kilogram, indicating an

increase of up to 50%. The primary driver behind this

escalation in soil microplastics is attributed to the

extensive utilization of personal protective equipment,

particularly masks, during the epidemic. This

increase poses numerous detrimental effects on soil

ecosystems. Similar trends, albeit to varying degrees,

have been observed across other regions of China.

Currently, the nationwide average abundance of soil

microplastics stands at 4536.6 items per kilogram.

The notable rise in soil microplastics following the

pandemic serves as a warning that plastic components

from personal protective equipment may be leaking

into the environment, demanding urgent attention.

Therefore, it is imperative to enhance public

awareness regarding microplastic pollution,

comprehend the mechanisms through which

microplastics are released, and implement measures

to minimize the use of plastic in personal protective

gear, thereby safeguarding the health of our soils and

ecosystems.

4 MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION

CONTROL STRATEGIES

4.1 Preventing Microplastic Pollution

Through Laws and Regulations

The environmental impact of microplastics has

garnered global attention, leading to the

establishment of various regulations aimed at

mitigating microplastic pollution. The first

international initiative aimed at tackling this matter

was the establishment of the 1973 International

Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from

Ships, which garnered support from 134 countries

(Boyle, 1985). However, this convention failed to

elicit widespread awareness regarding microplastic

pollution and lacked enforceable measures to curtail

the abandonment of personal protective equipment

(PPE) in individual countries.

Subsequently, significant steps have been taken,

such as the United Nations Environment Assembly's

resolution on a legally binding international

instrument addressing plastic pollution, and the

European Union's legislative measures restricting

microplastics under Annex XVII of the REACH

Regulation. In a contrasting approach, certain

countries like Sweden and some states in the United

States have implemented regulations specifically

targeting microplastics. These measures include

prohibiting the use of microplastics in cosmetics and

personal care products, thereby limiting their

dissemination. These localized efforts serve as

valuable references. In 2022, China officially

recognized microplastics as emerging pollutants, and

the "Management Measures for the Use and

Reporting of Disposable Plastic Products by Business

Operators" introduced in 2023 offers alternative

strategies for reducing microplastic pollution.

Overall, while global unified regulations for

microplastics control are still evolving, there exists a

disparity in the stringency and scope of these

regulations across different countries and regions.

Future efforts should focus on enhancing

international collaboration to establish a harmonized

global framework for microplastic pollution control,

thus collectively addressing this pressing

environmental challenge.

4.2 Preventing Microplastic Pollution

Through Laws and Regulations

During usage, various types of masks undergo

damage, leading to the generation of distinct

microplastics. Specifically, masks such as KN95 and

regular disposable masks exhibit differences in the

production of fine particles. Our observations indicate

that, within the 0.3-1.0 mm particle size range, the

concentration of particles from KN95 masks

surpasses that of disposable medical masks.

Conversely, in the 1.0-2.5 mm range, disposable

medical masks shed a higher concentration of

particulate matter. Interestingly, for particle sizes

exceeding 2.5 mm, both mask types exhibit similar

levels. These findings underscore the need for

enhanced mask design considerations. Future

research should focus on addressing the limitations of

both mask types, exploring the feasibility of

developing a novel mask that effectively prevents

pollution while minimizing the release of

microplastics. Additionally, improving production

materials, such as the use of polylactic acid for

ICREE 2024 - International Conference on Renewable Energy and Ecosystem

biodegradable masks, represents a promising avenue

for future developmental research.

5 CONCLUSION

This paper uncovers a significant source of

microplastic pollution stemming from the widespread

use of personal protective equipment (PPE),

especially face masks, during the COVID-19

pandemic. Through analytical techniques including

visual inspection, Fourier Transform Infrared

Spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy,

hyperspectral imaging, and thermal analysis, the

release of microplastics from PPE was detected.

While acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses

of each method, this comprehensive approach

allowed for a detailed examination of the issue.

Given the potential environmental and health risks

posed by microplastics, this paper proposes several

measures to mitigate the problem. Firstly, it advocates

for stronger legislative frameworks to discourage

improper PPE disposal and encourage globally

harmonized regulations for microplastic pollution

control. Secondly, it suggests improvements in PPE

design to minimize microplastic release, such as

exploring new eco-friendly materials and refining

manufacturing processes. Lastly, it emphasizes the

need for increased investment in microplastic

pollution research. The significance of this study lies

in its contribution to raising public awareness about

microplastic pollution, particularly from PPE. The

findings enhance our understanding of microplastic

sources, transmission pathways, and their

environmental and public health impacts.

Furthermore, this paper lays a scientific foundation

for developing effective strategies to prevent and

control microplastic pollution, thereby playing a

pivotal role in environmental protection and public

health initiatives.

The limitations of this study include a potential

lack of depth in analyzing certain detection

techniques and an incomplete examination of the

environmental behavior and biological effects of

microplastics. Future research should aim for a more

holistic investigation of microplastic pollution

through interdisciplinary approaches, integrating

insights from chemistry, biology, environmental

science, and other relevant fields.

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The Process of Microplastic Release from Personal Protective Equipment and Its Impact on the Environment