We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Fibre fragment pollution: source directed intervention through design
AI summary Read the abstract
This study assessed the effects of temperature and salinity on the aggregation and sinking behavior of microplastic particles in seawater. Higher salinity increased aggregation and sinking rates, while temperature had more complex effects, indicating that oceanographic conditions substantially influence where in the water column microplastics are distributed.
This study analyses the difference in fibre fragment pollution generated during the laundering of woven and knit fabrics for clothing and the influence of fabric parameters on the amount of pollution released. 100% polyester single jersey knit and 2/2 twill woven fabrics were created and washed according to AATCC TM212-2021. Results indicated more tightly woven structures released over three times less pollution than looser knit structures, releasing 6.41 mg of fibre fragments per kg of woven fabric (mean ± 1.50 SD, n=8) compared to 21.21 mg of fibre fragments per kg of knit fabric (mean ± 1.80 SD, n=8). The first wash for both knit and woven fabrics shed significantly more fibre fragments than subsequent washes. By the fifth wash both fabrics released under a tenth of the amount of pollution released in the first wash. To mitigate fibre fragment pollution that is released by fabrics designed for clothing this work recommends designing out pollution using more tightly constructed fabrics. Furthermore, the implementation of technology in fabric and garment manufacturing processes (e.g., fibre catching devices) should be utilised specifically during first washes allowing pollution to be filtered from the wastewater to stem the flow of contaminants into the environment.
More Papers Like This
Designing out microplastic pollution released from textiles and apparel during laundering
AI summary Read the abstract
This study explored source-directed design and manufacturing interventions to reduce microplastic fiber release from synthetic textiles during washing, using standardized wash tests to quantify shedding from fabric surfaces and edges. Structural fabric design modifications were identified as effective strategies to reduce microplastic fiber shedding at the point of manufacture.
Microfiber Pollution: A Systematic Literature Review to Overcome the Complexities in Knit Design to Create Solutions for Knit Fabrics
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review synthesizes research on how knit fabric parameters — including fiber type, yarn twist, gauge, and knit structure — influence microfiber shedding during laundering, identifying design strategies to reduce pollution while calling for standardized testing methods to improve cross-study comparability and support policy development.
Investigating the influence of yarn characteristics on microfibre release from knitted fabrics during laundering
AI summary Read the abstract
This study investigated how yarn characteristics such as fiber type, twist, and structure influence the quantity of microfibres released from knitted fabrics during laundering, identifying key design factors that could reduce textile microfiber pollution.
Quantification of shedding propensity of polyesterfabrics in the washing process
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic shedding from three polyester fabric types — woven, knitted, and double-faced plush — under standardized washing conditions at 60°C using gravimetric analysis and physicochemical characterization of wastewater over 5- and 10-cycle wash experiments. Results showed fabric structure influences shedding propensity, and that the majority of fragments are released during the first washing cycles.
Investigation of ring, airjet and rotor spun yarn structures on the fragmented fibers (microplastics) released from polyester textiles during laundering
AI summary Read the abstract
This study tested whether the type of yarn structure used in polyester fabrics affects how many microplastic fibers are shed during washing. Fabrics made from airjet and rotor yarns released 28% and 33% less fiber mass, respectively, than those made from the more common ring-spun yarn, and they shed shorter fiber fragments. Since textile washing is one of the major routes for microplastics entering wastewater, this finding suggests that changing yarn manufacturing processes could meaningfully reduce textile microplastic pollution at the source.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.