Microplastic emissions in textile wet processing: Progress, challenges, and mitigation strategies

Microplastics derived from textile production have become a significant environmental concern, contributing to the growing accumulation of synthetic pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. Among various textile processes, wet processing plays a predominant role in microplastic emissions due to the extensive use of water, chemicals, and mechanical forces. Such industrial emissions are not only more substantial in volume compared to domestic laundry but also more chemically and structurally diverse, complicating wastewater treatment and increasing ecological risks. The persistence and mobility of microplastics enable their widespread distribution in water bodies, where they serve as carriers for toxic contaminants and disrupt aquatic biodiversity. Addressing this challenge necessitates an in-depth understanding of microplastic release mechanisms, shedding behavior, and mitigation strategies. This review systematically examines: (1) the identification methods and environmental fate of textile-derived microplastics; (2) their ecological and human health implications; (3) the role of textile wet processing and domestic washing in microplastic emissions; and (4) advanced mitigation strategies encompassing bioengineered raw materials, rational textile design, and surface coatings. Additionally, the integration of closed-loop water systems and enhanced filtration technologies is explored to reduce textile industrial microplastic discharge. By bridging knowledge gaps and highlighting innovative interventions, this review provides a critical foundation for interdisciplinary collaboration, guiding industry, academia, and policymakers toward sustainable textile manufacturing and microplastic pollution reduction.