Scholz, UlrikeMeinecke, StefanKönig, FabianPflanz, Daniela2024-06-162024-06-162023https://openumwelt.de/handle/123456789/1333The coronavirus pandemic prompted the extensive use of disposable face masks made of plastic polymers, and their use in public areas was mandatory in many countries. Unfortunately, their widespread use also led to their introduction into the environment through inappropriate disposal, i.e. littering or unintended loss. Being durable, they can remain in the environment for decades. Though plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, little is known about degradation processes under natural conditions and the Corona pandemic has added a new item of concern. Mechanical abrasion plays an underestimated role in the formation of secondary microplastics of all plastic polymers and in this context, the degradation process of 3 different mask types (KN95, FFP2 and surgical face masks) was investigated in the semi-terrestrial zone of the artificial wave mesocosm system at the German Environment Agency´s field station, where semi-natural conditions can be simulated on a larger than laboratory scale. Of each face mask type, 3x5 masks were exposed to a stone-gravel-shore in two wave mesocosms and one unmoved body of water as control, for approx. 200 days. Loss of mass, but also changes in surface structure of the 3 different mask types was monitored. Loss of mass varied between the different masks with approx. 10 -15% for the KN95 masks, 4 - 4.5% for the surgical face masks and 4 - 6% for the FFP2 masks, thus not all masks display the same durability. All masks displayed clear signs of wear and tear, but especially the FFP2 and KN95 masks showed distinct signs of peeling. When the surface of the masks was viewed under a microscope and white light interferometer, fibers appeared fairly durable with only slight defibration or fraying of the outer melt-blown, non-woven fabric layer, that was primarily exposed to the gravel shore. Quelle: https://www.researchgate.net/1 Online-Resource (1 Poster)online resourceenghttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/Conference proceedings