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REVIEW ARTICLE

Nanotechnology-enabled face masks: Balancing protection and pollution in aquatic environments

Wenjun Wang1* ,  Yawen Li1 ,  Zhixin Jia1 ,  Maocai Shen2* ,  Yuanyuan Zhang3*
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1 School of Resources and Environment, Hunan University of Technology and Business, Changsha, Hunan, China
2 School of Energy and Environment, Anhui University of Technology, Ma’anshan, Anhui, China
3 Business School, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, Hunan, China
AJWEP, 025430330 https://doi.org/10.36922/AJWEP025430330
Received: 20 October 2025 | Revised: 3 November 2025 | Accepted: 4 November 2025 | Published online: 9 December 2025
© 2025 by the Author(s). This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
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Abstract

Face masks are widely regarded as essential tools for preventing respiratory infectious diseases, with the incorporation of nanofibers and nanoparticles significantly enhancing their antimicrobial performance. However, the same nanotechnology that strengthens their protective function also introduces complex risks. The extensive use and improper disposal of single-use masks have led to substantial environmental pollution. Discarded masks act as inadvertent conduits, releasing engineered nanomaterials and nanoplastics into wastewater systems through weathering processes. This represents a new and growing source of nanoscale pollution, which may exert cumulative effects on marine organisms and pose potential ecological threats. In light of these concerns, this review systematically assesses the balance between human health benefits and environmental risks associated with nanotechnology-enabled masks in aquatic environments. Furthermore, we explore feasible strategies to address the safety issue, including the development of biodegradable nanomaterials, improved mask designs to reduce emissions, and enhanced end-of-life management. It is crucial to align the application of such advanced masks with a sustainable and acceptable risk–return framework, ensuring that public health advancements do not come at the expense of environmental integrity.

Graphical abstract
Keywords
Face masks
Nanoplastics
Aquatic ecosystems
Environmental risk assessment
Waste mask management
Funding
This study was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52300204); the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province, China (2023JJ40232); and the Scientific Research Project of Hunan Education Department (24B0583).
Conflict of interest
Wenjun Wang and Maocai Shen are Editorial Board Members of this journal but were not involved in any way in the editorial and peer-review process for this paper, directly or indirectly. The remaining authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have influenced the work reported in this paper.
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