We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Thermally-driven polymer degradation in synthetic fabrics: Divergent release dynamics of microplastics and dissolved organic matter during high-temperature disinfection
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated how high-temperature disinfection (85-100 degrees Celsius) degrades synthetic fabrics and releases microplastics and dissolved organic matter. PET fabric was the most susceptible to chemical breakdown, while spandex-nylon blends released the highest mass of microplastic particles due to material incompatibility. The study identifies high-temperature laundering and disinfection as an overlooked source of textile-derived microplastic pollution.
The environmental risks of microplastics (MPs) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from synthetic fabrics under high-temperature (HT) disinfection represent a significant knowledge gap. This study systematically investigated the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), nylon (PA6), and spandex-nylon blends (PU-PA6) fabrics under simulated HT disinfection (85-100 °C). Physicochemical changes, MP release dynamics, and DOM leaching characteristics were analyzed using FESEM, FTIR, TOC, UV-Vis, and 3D-EEM spectroscopy. Results revealed severe surface deterioration in all fabrics under prolonged HT exposure, primarily attributable to additive leaching and hydrolysis of ester (PET), urethane (PU-PA6), and amide (PA6) bonds. PET exhibited the highest hydrolysis susceptibility, with carbonyl and hydroxyl indices increasing by 48.07 % and 61.17 %, respectively, after 24 h. PU-PA6 released the highest MP mass (13.05 mg/g) due to phase incompatibility, while PET-derived DOM exhibited enhanced aromaticity and high molecular weight components. DOM fluorescence signatures varied among fabrics: PET-DOM was enriched in aromatic compounds, whereas PU-PA6-DOM was dominated by humic-like substances linked to additive leaching. These findings highlight HT disinfection as a critical yet overlooked source of textile-derived MPs and DOM, urging material-specific mitigation strategies and regulatory policies to minimize environmental risks.
More Papers Like This
Scrutinizing the chemical and morphological alterations of microfibers released from household washing machines under varying temperature conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
This study examined how washing temperature affects the quantity and chemical properties of microfibers released from synthetic textiles in household washing machines, finding that higher temperatures increased fiber release and altered fiber surface chemistry. The results have implications for reducing microplastic pollution from laundry and for textile product design.
Polyester Textiles as a Source of Microplastics from Households: A Mechanistic Study to Understand Microfiber Release During Washing
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted a mechanistic study of microplastic fiber shedding from polyester textiles in household washing machines, identifying wash temperature, spin speed, and detergent type as key variables affecting fiber release rates.
Microfibers generated from the laundering of cotton, rayon and polyester based fabrics and their aquatic biodegradation.
AI summary Read the abstract
This study measured the number of microfibers released during laundering of cotton, polyester, and rayon fabrics under different temperatures and detergent conditions. All three fiber types shed significant quantities of microfibers, with higher water temperatures increasing shedding — raising concerns about synthetic and natural fiber contributions to aquatic microplastic pollution.
Release of synthetic microplastic plastic fibres from domestic washing machines: Effects of fabric type and washing conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured synthetic microfiber release from domestic washing machines in real household conditions, finding that millions of fibers are shed per wash cycle, with fiber release influenced by fabric type and wash parameters.
Microplastics in Wastewater by Washing Polyester Fabrics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic fiber release from polyester fabrics during washing, characterizing the quantity and types of microplastics generated and their potential pathway into wastewater systems as a significant source of environmental microplastic pollution.
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.