We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Evaluation and Mitigation of the Environmental Impact of Synthetic Microfibers
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the role of synthetic fabric washing as a major source of microfiber release to the oceans and evaluates mitigation strategies across the textile lifecycle. The authors conclude that effective prevention requires combined action at the textile design, finishing, washing, and wastewater treatment stages.
The washing of synthetic fabrics has been identified recently as one of the major contributors to the global release of primary microplastics to the oceans. The mechanical and chemical stresses of a washing process can cause the detachment of “microfibers” from the yarns composing a fabric, which cannot be completely removed by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Also, WWTPs should have an important role as barriers for the entrance of microplastics into aquatic environments, particularly for microfibers from the washing of synthetic clothes. The Canadian company Environmental Enhancements is selling the Lint LUV-R Washing Machine Discharge Filter as a device capable of screening out synthetic microplastic particulates, but no studies on its actual efficiencies are available. In conclusion, an effective prevention of microplastic release from the washing processes of synthetic clothes can be achieved only by applying mitigation actions at different stages including textile design, finishing treatments, washing method, and the treatment at WWTPs.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic pollution in aquatic environments from washing synthetic textiles
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Synthetic Textiles and Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how synthetic textiles shed microfibers during washing and drying, covering the mechanisms of release, the environmental fate of microfibers in aquatic systems, and strategies for reducing microplastic pollution from the fashion and textile industry.
Synthetic textile and microfiber pollution: a review on mitigation strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines strategies to mitigate synthetic textile microfiber pollution, covering filtration technologies, fiber-shedding-reducing fabric designs, wastewater treatment upgrades, and policy measures.
Microplastic pollution from synthetic textiles:quantitative evaluation and mitigation strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
This thesis quantified microplastic pollution from synthetic textiles, finding that washing processes account for about 35% of primary microplastic release into marine environments, and evaluated mitigation strategies including laundry filters and fabric treatments. Synthetic textile washing is one of the most significant and widespread sources of microfiber contamination globally.
Synthetic fibers as microplastics in the marine environment: A review from textile perspective with a focus on domestic washings
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examined synthetic fibers as a source of microplastics in the marine environment, tracing the full textile lifecycle from manufacturing through use and disposal to understand where and how fibers enter aquatic systems.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.