Marine Microfiber Pollution

Microfiber is a type of fiber known as microplastic produced from a blend of polyester and polyamide (70:30 to 90:10) that creates tiny teardrop-shaped fibers, smaller than 5 mm, almost the size of a grain of rice. Microfibers are the most abundant form of microplastic in the environment. Most of these particles are composed of broken-down plastic particles or plastic microbeads. Plastics, including microfibers, do not break down entirely; they break down into smaller pieces. Most microfibers are derived from synthetic clothing (e.g., fleece jackets and sportswear) and commonly used cosmetics. The labels of most clothing items contain fabric names, such as polyester, nylon, and spandex. When synthetic fabrics are washed, tiny microfibers are dispersed. Ordinary polyester fleece, for example, can release thousands of microfibers during washing. Several factors may influence the release of microfibers, such as the fabric type and the detergent used. Microfibers discharged by washing machines may end up in water treatment facilities, rivers, and the ocean. Here, they may contaminate fish and other marine life. According to a study, one out of four fish examined contained microfibers. It is estimated that in 2050 more plastic will enter the ocean than fish. Scientists are concerned about the potential health hazards of these toxins since they are likely to move up the food chain.