We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A novel method for the isolation, characterisation, and quantification of nanoplastic fibres released from synthetic textiles during laundering
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method for isolating, characterising, and quantifying nanoplastic fibres (NPFs) released from acrylic, nylon, and polyester textiles during laundering simulations, using scanning and transmission electron microscopy for morphological characterisation and TEM as a quantification tool for fibre length distributions. Pyrolysis-GC/MS was used in parallel to confirm polymer types and measure mass quantities of both micro- and nano-scale fibres.
Release of microplastic fibres (MPFs) caused by laundering of synthetic textiles is recognised as the main contributor to microplactics pollution of the natural environment, including air, water, and soil. Despite numerous studies on microplastics, research on the release of nanoplastic fibres (NPFs) remains scarce due to the big challenges associated with transitioning from the micro- to the nano- scale. We have developed a novel method that allows the isolation, fibre size differentiation and quantification of fibres released from acrylic, nylon, and polyester textiles during laundering simulations. The morphology of the MPFs and NPFs was fully characterised using scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A new protocol was also created using TEM as a quantification tool to plot the fibre length distributions, and measure accurately the total numbers of fibres in solution. Pyrolysis-GC/MS was employed to confirm types of polymers and their mass quantities. A parallel settling rate study investigated the vertical distribution and settling behaviour of NPFs depending on their chemistry and size. The highest release of fibres was for nylon fabrics (28million/kg) followed by polyester (23.5million/kg) and acrylic (12.6million/kg), with 90 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559411/document
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
A novel method for the isolation, characterisation, and quantification of nanoplastic fibres released from synthetic textiles during laundering
Researchers developed a novel method for isolating, characterising, and quantifying nanoplastic fibres (NPFs) released during laundering of synthetic textiles — including acrylic, nylon, and polyester — enabling fibre size differentiation from the micro to the nano scale. The method addresses a significant gap in textile pollution research by providing a tool to study the understudied nanoplastic fraction of laundry-derived fibre emissions.
Quantification and morphological characterization of microfibers emitted from textile washing
Textile microfibers released during washing machine cycles were quantified and characterized, with the study finding that fiber type, fabric construction, and wash conditions all influenced emission quantities. The results confirm textile washing as a significant and ongoing source of microplastic fiber pollution in wastewater.
Assessment of microplastics release from polyester fabrics: The impact of different washing conditions
Researchers assessed microplastic fiber release from polyester and polyamide fabrics during simulated washing, finding that fabric construction, fiber type, and washing conditions all influenced the quantity of fibers released. The study provides data to help quantify the contribution of laundry to microplastic emissions in wastewater.
Quantifying shedding of synthetic fibers from textiles; a source of microplastics released into the environment
Researchers quantified the shedding of synthetic fibers from textiles during simulated washing, finding that fabric type, age, and wash conditions significantly affected fiber release, and establishing a quantitative basis for estimating textile-derived microplastic inputs.
Comment on “Characterization of Nanoplastics, Fibrils, and Microplastics Released during Washing and Abrasion of Polyester Textiles”
This correspondence comments on methodological concerns in a prior study characterising nanoplastics, fibrils, and microplastics released during washing and abrasion of polyester textiles, raising questions about the characterisation methods and interpretation of results related to particle release quantification.