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The role of laundry fibers in Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Adsorption: implications for U.S. Water Safety and Pollution Control
Summary
This research investigates how synthetic fibers released during laundry act as vectors for transporting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through wastewater systems. Laundry effluent carries both microfibers and PFAS into treatment facilities, where incomplete removal allows these persistent chemicals to reach aquatic environments. The study highlights a previously underappreciated pathway linking textile microplastics and PFAS contamination.
This study investigates the role of laundry fibers as vectors for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) transport in U.S. water systems. Through systematic analysis of fiber composition, surface characteristics, and adsorption mechanisms, we analyzed the capacity of common textile fibers to adsorb and transport various PFAS compounds. Utilizing a combination of spectroscopic techniques, batch equilibrium tests, and column breakthrough experiments, it was observed that synthetic fibers exhibit significantly higher PFAS adsorption capacities (0.5-2.4 μg/g) compared to natural fibers (0.1-0.3 μg/g). Adsorption was primarily governed by hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic forces, with pH and ionic strength substantially influencing uptake kinetics. Notably, weathered microfibers showed 30-45% greater PFAS adsorption than pristine fibers, suggesting increased environmental risk from aged textiles. Our findings indicate that laundry fibers serve as significant, previously underestimated vectors for PFAS transport in aquatic environments, with implications for wastewater treatment optimization and regulatory approaches to mitigate this contamination pathway.