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A comprehensive method for the sampling, purification, extraction, and quantification of microplastic fibre release in textile production
Summary
Researchers developed a comprehensive standardized method for sampling, purifying, extracting, and quantifying microplastic fiber release across various matrices involved in textile production processes. The protocol addresses gaps in existing methodology focused primarily on laundering and wastewater treatment, providing a reproducible framework to assess microplastic emissions throughout the full textile manufacturing chain.
The release of microplastics from the textile industry is a significant environmental concern. While the release of microplastics during the laundering process and within wastewater treatment plants has been extensively studied, there is still a pressing need for a standardised sampling protocol to assess microplastic release across various matrices involved in different textile production processes. In this report, we propose a comprehensive sampling protocol targeting four types of samples derived from textile production processes: sludge, wastewater, dust, and air. We also provide a detail method for the extraction and analysis of microplastics from these samples, including the separation of microplastics from collected textile samples through cellulose dissolution, oxidation, and oleophilic extraction processes, as well as heat treatment for air samples. This is followed by automated methods for quantifying microplastic fibres. The proposed protocol provides an efficient, effective, straightforward, cost-effective, and safe approach for analysing and monitoring textile-related microplastics.