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Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments from washing synthetic textiles
Summary
Washing synthetic textiles releases microplastic fibers into wastewater, and this study reviewed the scale of the problem and explored strategies to reduce emissions at the washing machine, garment design, and wastewater treatment levels. Textile laundering is considered one of the largest sources of microplastic fiber pollution reaching aquatic environments.
Textile washing is a major contributor to the accumulation of microplastics in the environment. While the use of plastics in textiles positively impacts the industry’s safety, hygiene, and innovation, there are detrimental effects resulting from the subsequent release of microplastics into the environment, much of which contaminate the aquatic environment. Current research on the microplastics problem already establishes relationships between certain parameters and the tendency and rate of microplastics release. Relating factors such as washing method, number of washes, and processing of textile to the rate of release of microplastics can help guide policies and actions towards the management of microplastics released from textiles washing. This article examines several aspects of the issue of microplastics in the environment with a particular focus on microplastics originating from the textiles industry. Their small size, lower ease of detection, and tendencies to absorb harmful microbes and metals make them more of threat to aquatic environments than macroplastics. The environmental and health impacts are explored as well as other issues, such as the route from textiles to the environment. Finally, this paper examines the current global status on microplastics, understanding future perspectives and identifying recommendations.