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Fibrous microplastics released from textiles: Occurrence, fate, and remediation strategies
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This review focuses on fibrous microplastics released from synthetic textiles like polyester, which are the most common type of microplastic found in the environment. These fibers are shed during washing and wearing, are too small for most wastewater filters to catch, and persist in ecosystems for long periods. The review warns that data on the long-term health effects of fibrous microplastic exposure in humans is still very limited.
Microplastics (MP), i.e., particles measuring less than 5 mm in size, are considered emerging pollutants. The ubiquity of MP is causing great concern among environmental and public health agencies. Anthropogenic activities are responsible for the extensive dispersal of MP in nature. Adverse effects on living organisms, interactions with other contaminants occurring in the environment, and the lack of effective degradation/removal techniques are significant issues related to MP. Most MP found in nature are fibrous (FMP). FMP originate from textile products, mainly synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester). Synthetic fibers are intensively used to produce countless goods due to beneficial characteristics such as high mechanical resistance and economic feasibility. FMP are ubiquitous on the planet and impart lasting adverse effects on biodiversity. Data on the consequences of long-term exposure to these pollutants are scarce in the literature. In addition, few studies address the main types of synthetic microfibers released from textiles, their occurrence, adverse effects on organisms, and remediation strategies. This review discusses the relevant topics about FMP and alerts the dangers to the planet. Furthermore, future perspectives and technological highlights for the FMP mitigation/degradation are presented.
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This review examines how synthetic textiles release fibrous microplastics into the environment through laundering, wear, and disposal. Researchers traced the journey of textile-derived microplastics from washing machines through wastewater treatment plants and into waterways, soils, and the atmosphere. The study highlights that textile fibers are among the most common types of microplastics found in the environment and calls for better mitigation strategies at every stage of the textile lifecycle.
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This review provides a comprehensive look at fibrous microplastics, which can make up over 90 percent of microplastics found in some environmental samples. Researchers traced these fibers primarily to synthetic textiles, with laundering being a major release pathway, and documented their presence in water, soil, air, and living organisms. The study emphasizes that fiber-shaped microplastics deserve special attention due to their prevalence and unique potential to cause harm.
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