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Review of research on migration, distribution, biological effects, and analytical methods of microfibers in the environment
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This review examined the environmental distribution, transport pathways, biological effects, and analytical detection methods for microfibers as the most abundant microplastic form in the environment. Microfibers were found in marine, freshwater, atmospheric, and soil environments globally, and laundry effluent and textile industry wastewater were identified as the dominant emission sources.
Microplastics have been proven to be one of the critical environmental pollution issues. Moreover, microfibers, the most prominent form of microplastics in the environment, have likewise attracted the attention of various countries. With the increase in global population and industrialization, the production and use of fibers continue to increase yearly. As a result, a large number of microfibers are formed. If fiber products are not used or handled correctly, it will cause direct/indirect severe microfiber environmental pollution. Microfibers will be further broken into smaller fiber fragments when they enter the natural environment. Presently, researchers have conducted extensive research in the identification of microfibers, laying the foundation for further resourcefulness research. This work used bibliometric analysis to review the microfiber contamination researches systematically. First, the primary sources of microfibers and the influencing factors are analyzed. We aim to summarize the influence of the clothing fiber preparation and care processes on microfiber formation. Then, this work elaborated on the migration in/between water, atmosphere, and terrestrial environments. We also discussed the effects of microfiber on ecosystems. Finally, microfibers' current and foreseeable effective treatment, disposal, and resource utilization methods were explained. This paper will provide a structured reference for future microfiber research.
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This review systematically examined the sources of synthetic microfiber pollution in marine environments, covering laundry, fishing gear, industrial textile discharge, and other origins. The authors note that the key sources of marine microfibers remain contested and call for improved source attribution methods.
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This review examines the sources, environmental transport, and health implications of microfibers — including synthetic fibers from textiles and natural fibers — in the marine water column. With global fiber production exceeding 100 million metric tons annually, synthetic microfibers are one of the most abundant forms of microplastic in the ocean.
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This review critically examines the sources and environmental pathways of microfibers, challenging the assumption that laundry is the dominant source. The authors present evidence that other pathways — including textile manufacturing, atmospheric deposition, and outdoor gear use — may contribute more than previously recognized.
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Global patterns of microfiber contamination in the marine environment were reviewed, documenting that synthetic and non-synthetic fibers are found in all major ocean basins, with fibers being the most common microplastic type along shorelines. The review highlights that non-synthetic and semi-synthetic fibers are frequently overlooked in monitoring despite being a significant component of total microfiber pollution.
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