Cross-contamination by COVID-19 mask microfibers during microlitter analysis of marine biota. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Torre, Michele; Kafritsa, Maria Eleni; Anastasopoulou, Aikaterini
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 181(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Face masks -- Covid-19 -- Microfibers -- Cross-contamination -- Marine biota -- Microplastics; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113883
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Face masks have been adopted as an essential measure to prevent transmission and spread of the virus infection during the pandemic of Covid-19. The present study evaluates the potential microfibers transfer from face masks to other recipients and the potential cross-contamination of samples by microfibers released from masks worn during the analysis of microlitter ingestion by fish. Results indicated that masks could easily transfer endogenous (originated from the mask tissue itself) and exogenous microfibers (with a different origin than the mask tissue itself) to other recipients (adhesive tape and air in our experiment). Exogenous fibers may be carried from everywhere and potentially released everywhere. Microfibers are also released into the air, driven by the airflow generated by breathing, and can be transferred to blanks and samples. Microfiber contamination by facial masks increases the risk of samples cross-contamination and raises concerns about the results reliability of the microlitter analysis on marine biota. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Face masks worn during laboratory analyses are sources of microfibers contamination. Microfibers are released from masks into the air by breathing. Risk of sample cross-contamination by face masks microfibers. Masks raises concerns about the reliability of results in microplastics analysis.