Microfiber pollution: an ongoing major environmental issue related to the sustainable development of textile and clothing industry

Abstract

Textiles release microfibers to the environment during production, use, and at end-of-life disposal. There is a potentially large and growing risk to the environment associated with microfiber pollution, which requires protection and sustainable development in the textile and fashion industry. To date, early-stage research efforts, perhaps the most important initial actions to explore more feasible and effective solutions, into microfiber pollution from the perspective of environmental sustainability have been fragmented. In this study, we discuss the sustainability of the textile and fashion industry for economic and social development. The potential sources of microfiber pollution are analyzed from the supply chain of the textile and fashion industry. Additionally, actionable solutions, including a shift in consumer behavior, retailer recycling programs, and government behavior in the development of a sustainable economy and environment protection for textile and fashion industry, are proposed. Finally, we conclude that there is no silver bullet solution to microfiber pollution until now, but a collaborative cross-sector group of related industries conducting comprehensive research to inform a multi-industry approach must form part of the answer.

Effect of microplastics in water and aquatic systems

“…Fibers accounted for more than 92% of the MP and 73% of that were found to be polyester having the same size and color as those found in garments (Ross et al 2021). The reduced microfiber density (Brahney et al 2020) can make them more transportable over a long range by water and wind (Liu et al 2021) and their high surface to volume ratio can bind more noxious contaminants, potentially making them more dangerous to the aquatic species that other forms of microplastics (Liu et al 2019). A large proportion of microfiber can slip out of treatment plants owing to their limited size and get discharged into marine habitats (Napper and Thompson 2016).…”

“…A recent study (Ross et al 2021) found that the Arctic is rampantly contaminated by MP fibers that would possibly come from the laundering of clothes. Because of the increase in textile manufacturing and the lack of microfiber deterioration, aggregation of microfibers will become more extreme (Liu et al 2021). In 96 out of 97 samples collected from around the arctic ocean, the most detailed analysis to date has detected microplastics.…”

Environmental effects of stratospheric ozone depletion, UV radiation, and interactions with climate change: UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, Update 2021

“…Microfibres can be generated by fragmentation of textile fibres with or without exposure to solar UV radiation. Textile production processes [192][193][194][195] that involve abrasion [196] and electric dryers [197] as well as domestic laundering of clothes [198][199][200] mechanically generate microfibres in wastewater that reaches the ocean. However, the exposure of fabric to solar UV radiation also contributes to their degradation and fragmentation.…”

Is Batik Bad for Water and The Environment? Reveal The Perception of Batik Craftsmen About Environmental Care

“…Many adverse effects have been identified as hundreds of contaminants are diluted in aquatic systems, affecting dissolved oxygen, turbidity, color, temperature, and, consequently, marine organisms. In this regard, the potential relationship between effluent toxicity and chemical oxygen demand has been discussed by [16].…”