Toxicity of Nanotextiles as Respirators Waste to Daphnia Magna

Abstract

In recent years, the occurrence of nanotextiles has increased due to the Covid-19 situation all around the world. Nanotextiles are being used in form of face masks and respirators, which are the source of environmental pollution with nanoparticles. The goal of this contribution is to perform ecotoxicological tests according to European standards and Czech legislation. Firstly, nonwovens are briefly described, and a small planktonic crustacean (Daphnia magna S.) is introduced. The second part is focused on the experiments themselves and their results. In all cases, the tested nanotextiles had a non-toxic effect on the organisms, but a reaction could be seen. Further tests will be performed to explain and specify the effects.