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Microplastics and Fibrous Fragments Generated during the Production and Maintenance of Textiles
Summary
This review examines how microplastics and fibrous fragments are generated during textile production and maintenance, noting that textiles account for more than a third of microplastics in surface waters. Researchers found that mechanical, thermal, chemical, and biological damage during manufacturing and early washing cycles are major sources of fiber release. The study emphasizes the need for textile manufacturers to address fiber shedding through improved production processes and material design.
More than a third of microplastics in surface waters are formed by microplastics released from textile products containing textile fibers (fibrous microplastics). A large amount of fibrous microplastics enters the environment during textile production and the first few washing cycles. Mechanical, thermal, chemical, and biological damage to textiles causes the generation of fibrous microplastics. Textile manufacturers, dyers and finishers, garment producers, distributors, or consumers contribute to this process. During the construction of textiles, multiple issues need to be addressed simultaneously. They are related to the optimization of technological processes and the construction and functionalization of fiber structures, considering ecological requirements, including suppressing the formation of fibrous microplastics. This research is focused on the specification of reasons for the generation of fibrous microplastics during textile production. The influence of the structure of fibers, abrasive deformations, and surface structure of fabrics on the generation of fibrous microplastics is discussed. The release of fibrous microplastics during washing is mentioned as well.