Sources and dispersive modes of micro‐fibers in the environment

Abstract

Understanding the sources and distribution of microfibers (MFs) in the environment is critical if control and remediation measures are to be effective. Microfibers comprise an overwhelming fraction (>85%) of microplastic debris found on shorelines around the world. Although primary sources have not been fully vetted, until recently it was widely believed that domestic laundry discharges were the major source. It was also thought that synthetic fibers and particles having dimensions <5 mm easily bypassed filtration and other solid separation processes at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and entered oceans and surface waters. A more thorough assessment of WWTP effluent discharges indicates, however, that fiber and particulate counts do not support the belief that plants are the primary vectors for fibers entering the environment. This finding may bolster concerns that active and pervasive shedding of fibers from common fabrics and textiles could be contributing significantly, via direct pathways, to burgeoning environmental loads. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:466-469. © 2017 SETAC.

Marine environment microfiber contamination: Global patterns and the diversity of microparticle origins

“…we would have expected a higher proportion of microplastics, but the proportions remained 473 relatively stable and we did not see any trends in our relatively small sample size. Interestingly, 474 our results are similar to the current global production of textile fibers at 60% synthetic fibers, 475 30% cotton and 10% other material (Carr, 2017). The study shows a significant number of 476 particles make their way to the open ocean and higher latitudes, where degradation rates may be 477 This study successfully harnessed the power of citizen science to collect high-quality data on a 503 global scale.…”

Chronic microfiber exposure in adult Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)

“…Microplastic fibers (to be referred to as microfibers; MFs) outnumber other types of microplastics, accounting for over 90% in some areas [2]. Worldwide, 9 million tons of fibers were produced in 2016, 60% of which were synthetics such as polyester, acrylic, polypropylene, and nylon [3]. The synthetic fibers used to make textiles (e.g., clothing, upholstery, and rugs) shed MFs during washing and regular use; a single garment can shed over 1,900 MFs per wash [4].…”

“…The synthetic fibers used to make textiles (e.g., clothing, upholstery, and rugs) shed MFs during washing and regular use; a single garment can shed over 1,900 MFs per wash [4]. MFs enter the aquatic environment via sewage release, stormwater runoff, or atmospheric deposition [3,[5][6][7] where they accumulate and impact biota [8]. Polyester (PES) and polypropylene (PP) are the most commonly used a1111111111 a1111111111 a1111111111 a1111111111 a1111111111 (Ted Pella, Redding, CA) into MFs and stored in a clean glass bottle until use.…”

“…Polyester (PES) and polypropylene (PP) are the most commonly used a1111111111 a1111111111 a1111111111 a1111111111 a1111111111 (Ted Pella, Redding, CA) into MFs and stored in a clean glass bottle until use. Surface features were imaged by scanning electron microscopy (FEI XL30 SEM-FEG, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA) ( Fig 1A 3 -1B 3 ).…”

The occurrence of microplastics in freshwater systems – preliminary results from Krakow (Poland)

“…It has been shown that washing machines can generate over 1,900 plastic fibres in the single cycle (Browne et al 2011). The amount of microfibres will continue to increase in the future, and the only way to stop this is to avoid or improve the biodegradability of polymers used in textiles (Carr 2017). The appearance of microplastics in sewage sludge, on the one hand, is being reduced because of the effective treatment of sewage and concomitant reduction in the amount found in environments, yet remains a further threat because sewage sludge is commonly used for agricultural fertilization (Dris et al 2015b, Westphalen & Abdelrasoul 2018.…”