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Microplastics Derived from Chemical Fibers
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Japanese researchers measured the release of synthetic microfibers from laundry, finding that front-loading drum-type washing machines release significantly more fibers per wash than top-loading agitator machines. Synthetic textile washing is a major source of microplastic fiber pollution in wastewater, and these findings can guide efforts to reduce fiber shedding.
近年，マイクロプラスチック(MPs) による水環境の汚染が報告されており，世界的に規制やルール作りが本格化している。生活排水に着目すると洗顔料や化粧品由来のMPs，洗濯による衣類由来の化学繊維片，繊維状MPsが排水に含まれると予想される。洗濯排水中の繊維状MPsを定量的に実験した結果，1人1日あたり繊維状MPsの排出量(重量) は，洗濯1, 5, 10, 15, 20回目の平均値で，パルセータ型で46.2 mg/(人・日)，ドラム型で210 mg/(人・日) であった。同様に， 1人1日あたり繊維状マイクロプラスチックの排出量(本数) はパルセータ型で394,000 本/(人・日)，ドラム型で2,180,000 本/(人・日) であった。重量，本数ともにドラム型洗濯機からの排出量がパルセータ型よりも多かった。また，洗濯回数の増加に伴い，排出される繊維が短くなる傾向が観察された。乾燥器による繊維の劣化や，たたき洗いによる物理的衝撃の影響で，繊維の微小化が特にドラム型洗濯機で起こっていることが示唆された。
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The Influence of Textile Type, Textile Weight, and Detergent Dosage on Microfiber Emissions from Top-Loading Washing Machines
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Researchers investigated how different textile types, fabric weights, and detergent amounts affect microfiber shedding from top-loading washing machines. The study found that all four tested fabric weave structures released both synthetic and natural microfibers during washing, with textile type and weight being significant factors, contributing to our understanding of how everyday laundry contributes to microplastic pollution.
Characterization of microfibers emission from textile washing from a domestic environment
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Researchers found that household laundry machines release millions of microfibers per wash cycle, with top-loading machines emitting slightly more than front-loaders, and synthetic fibers accounting for only about 19% of total emissions, with the majority of fibers under 5 micrometers in length.
The mechanism of microplastic fibers release in a front-loading washing machine
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This study examined the microplastic fibers released during front-loading washing machine cycles, finding that high water volumes and larger laundry loads increased fiber shedding, with most released fibers measuring 300–400 micrometers long. Abrasion between garments during the wash cycle drove fiber release, with fabric movement directing where fibers migrated. The findings give manufacturers and consumers clearer data on which washing conditions generate the most microplastic fiber pollution. Since laundry washing is considered one of the largest sources of microplastic fibers entering wastewater, this kind of research is key to designing solutions.
Factors affecting the release of microfibers and microplastics from laundry activities: type, quantity, and properties
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Every laundry load sends thousands of tiny plastic and fabric fibers into wastewater, especially from laundromats and faster wash cycles. Front-load washers released more fibers than top-load ones, and these particles can end up in rivers, oceans, and potentially our food and water supply. Washing on gentler cycles may help reduce this pollution until better filtering solutions are in place.
Microplastic Release from Domestic Washing
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Researchers measured microfiber release from domestic washing of textile materials across five washing cycles, finding that the amount of microplastic fiber shed varied significantly with washing conditions and fiber type, contributing to aquatic microplastic pollution.
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