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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic pollution on hiking and running trails in Australian protected environments
ClearTrail running events contribute microplastic pollution to conservation and wilderness areas
Using before-after-control-impact sampling at a trail running event in an Australian conservation area, researchers found that the event significantly increased microplastic concentrations on trails compared to control sites, with synthetic clothing and footwear identified as the primary sources.
Examining sampling protocols for microplastics on recreational trails
This study developed and tested sampling protocols for detecting microplastics on hiking and trail running routes in nature reserves. Microplastics were found on trail surfaces, likely shed from synthetic clothing, footwear, and equipment used by outdoor recreationists. The findings highlight recreational trails as an underappreciated source of microplastic contamination in natural areas.
Plastics on the rocks: the invisible but harmful footprint of shoe soles
This study found that shoe soles worn on a short mountain hiking trail shed significant quantities of microplastic particles, contaminating the path and surrounding vegetation. The finding reveals that recreational outdoor activities are an overlooked source of microplastic pollution even in protected natural areas.
Microplastic surface retention and mobility on hiking trails
Researchers simulated heavy rainfall on hiking trail surfaces and measured the mobility of microplastic particles deposited by trail users, finding that rainfall can transport deposited microplastics off trails and into adjacent soil and waterways, extending the environmental footprint of trail recreation.
An Examination of Microplastic Pollution in Protected Areas from Outdoor Recreation
Microplastics were found in soils from protected natural areas frequently visited by outdoor recreationists, suggesting that even conservation lands and wilderness parks are not insulated from plastic pollution carried in by human visitors.
Microplastics pollution in Australia: Sources, impacts, and mitigation strategies
This review provides a comprehensive overview of microplastic pollution across Australia, covering contamination in sediments, indoor air, road dust, fresh water, marine water, and living organisms. Microplastics were found in all environments studied, with sources ranging from tire wear and synthetic clothing to industrial discharge. The review provides data to support Australian policy decisions on reducing microplastic exposure to both ecosystems and human health.
Release of Microplastics from Shoe Outsoles into the Environment by Walking and Jogging, and Ingestion of Shoe Outsole Microplastics by Goldfish
Researchers quantified microplastic release from shoe outsoles during walking and jogging, finding that shoe abrasion generates measurable plastic particles that enter aquatic environments and can be ingested by goldfish. A series of five experiments demonstrated a direct relationship between distance traveled and shoe weight loss, establishing footwear as an underappreciated terrestrial source of microplastic pollution.
Microplastic pollution in water environment of typical nature reserves and scenery districts in southern China
Researchers measured microplastic abundance and polymer composition in water from 11 nature reserves and scenic districts in southern China, detecting microplastics in all samples with variation related to proximity to human activities. The findings fill a knowledge gap on microplastic contamination in protected natural areas and reveal that even remote reserves are not free from plastic pollution.
Abundance and characterization of microplastic pollution in the wildlife reserve, Ramsar site, recreational areas, and national park in northern Jakarta and Kepulauan Seribu, Indonesia
This is the first study to measure microplastic pollution in sediments across protected areas near Jakarta, Indonesia, including a wildlife reserve, a Ramsar wetland site, and a marine national park. Microplastics were found at all locations, with higher concentrations closer to human activity and during the dry season. The results suggest that even designated conservation areas are not spared from microplastic contamination.
Microfibre and nanofibre: pollution and environmental impacts
This review examines microfibres and nanofibres — shed from clothing and textiles during use and washing — as a significant but poorly quantified category of environmental pollutants. Up to 4.28 million metric tonnes of microfibres enter the environment each year, with synthetic garment laundering responsible for about 35% of that total, yet natural fibre shedding is largely ignored in sustainability assessments. The authors argue that both synthetic and natural microfibres need to be included in environmental impact frameworks, especially as fast fashion drives ever-increasing textile production.
Modelling microplastic fibre emissions from synthetic textiles: An Australian case
Researchers modeled microplastic fiber emissions from synthetic textiles across Australia, estimating emission quantities, identifying geographic hotspots, and tracing fibres to their environmental receiving compartments. The model found that domestic laundry is the dominant emission source, with most fibres ultimately reaching wastewater treatment systems or water bodies.
Microplastic on Mountain Trails—a Case Study from the Carpathian and Sudetes Mountains in Poland
Researchers sampled snow along three mountain trails in Poland's Carpathian and Sudetes ranges and found high levels of microplastic contamination, with polyurethane, PET, polyethylene, and polypropylene being most common. More heavily trafficked and easier trails showed higher microplastic concentrations than remote, more difficult ones, suggesting visitor activity and gear wear are significant sources. This study extends evidence that microplastic pollution has reached remote mountain environments far from industrial or urban centers.
Examining the release of synthetic microfibres to the environment via two major pathways: Atmospheric deposition and treated wastewater effluent.
This study compared microfiber release from textile wear during normal use with release during laundry, finding that atmospheric deposition of fibers generated by wearing clothes is a significant additional pathway for synthetic microfibers reaching the marine environment. The study suggests that focusing only on washing machines underestimates the total amount of textile microfibers entering aquatic ecosystems.
Quantifying shedding of synthetic fibers from textiles; a source of microplastics released into the environment
Researchers quantified the shedding of synthetic fibers from textiles during simulated washing, finding that fabric type, age, and wash conditions significantly affected fiber release, and establishing a quantitative basis for estimating textile-derived microplastic inputs.
A planet too rich in fibre
Researchers highlighted that synthetic microfibres shed from clothing have become pervasive across environmental compartments — including drinking water and food — raising concerns about chronic human and ecosystem exposure to a poorly understood class of microplastic contaminant.
Sources and dispersive modes of micro-fibers in the environment
This review critically examines the sources and environmental pathways of microfibers, challenging the assumption that laundry is the dominant source. The authors present evidence that other pathways — including textile manufacturing, atmospheric deposition, and outdoor gear use — may contribute more than previously recognized.
Are we underestimating the sources of microplastic pollution in terrestrial environment?
This review argues that land-based sources of microplastic pollution are significantly underestimated, even though most marine microplastics originate from terrestrial sources. Researchers found that textile washing accounts for roughly 35% of microplastics in water, with additional contributions from tire wear, agricultural plastic films, cosmetics, and construction materials. The study highlights atmospheric deposition as a newly recognized pathway for microplastic dispersal that requires urgent investigation.
Microplastic pollution from textiles: A literature review
This review examines the current state of knowledge on microplastic pollution, focusing specifically on synthetic microfibre shedding from textiles during washing and the significance of this source for marine and freshwater contamination.
Assessment of Microplastics in the Environment – Fibres: the Disregarded Twin?
This paper argues that synthetic fibers are systematically underestimated in environmental microplastic monitoring because they are often excluded from sampling protocols. Since synthetic textiles are ubiquitous and shed fibers through washing and wear, ignoring fibers means current assessments substantially undercount total microplastic environmental pollution.
Polymer-specific microplastic risks and microbial community shifts in a freshwater ecosystem: Field evidence from the Hunter River, Australia
Researchers conducted a snapshot survey of microplastic contamination across five sites in the Hunter River, Australia, finding concentrations up to 229 particles per liter, with polyethylene, PET, and polyamide dominating, and three sites reaching the highest hazard level on the Polymer Risk Index.
Microfibres from apparel and home textiles: Prospects for including microplastics in environmental sustainability assessment
This review examines how synthetic textiles release plastic microfibers during production, use, and laundering, making them a major source of microplastic pollution. Researchers found that textile microfibers may account for up to 35% of primary microplastics entering marine environments and can persist for decades in soils. The study discusses factors affecting fiber release from fabrics and calls for better assessment methods to understand the environmental and potential health risks of this widespread contamination.
Marine environment microfiber contamination: Global patterns and the diversity of microparticle origins
Researchers collected 1,393 one-liter water grab samples globally and found a mean microparticle concentration of 11.8 particles per liter — roughly 1,000 times higher than model predictions — with 91% being microfibers, 57% synthetic, and highest densities in polar oceans, while also documenting underreported non-synthetic and semi-synthetic fibers from natural textile sources.
Effects and Characterization of Environmental Conditions on Microplastic Fibers Release from Synthetic Textile
Researchers investigated how environmental conditions such as moist heat, high-temperature drying, and abrasion affect the release of microplastic fibers from synthetic textiles. The study found that these aging processes significantly increased fiber shedding, highlighting synthetic clothing as a major ongoing source of microplastic contamination in water environments.
Microplastic accumulation in water from protected areas in Western Forest Complex of Thailand
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in freshwater ecosystems within protected areas of Thailand's Western Forest Complex. The study found microplastics present in nearly 99% of water samples, predominantly as fibers, with polyethylene and polypropylene among the most common polymer types, suggesting that even remote protected areas are not immune to microplastic pollution.