Fibrous microplastics released from textiles: Occurrence, fate, and remediation strategies

• Published in: Journal of contaminant hydrology Vol. 256; p. 104169
• Main Authors: de Oliveira, Carlos Rafael Silva, da Silva Júnior, Afonso Henrique, Mulinari, Jéssica, Ferreira, Alexandre José Sousa, da Silva, Adriano
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.05.2023
• Subjects: Environment pollution; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Microplastic pollution; Microplastics; Plastics; Textile fibers; Textile industry; Textiles; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Microplastics; Microplastic pollution; Environment pollution; Textile fibers; Textile industry
• ISSN: 0169-7722; 1873-6009
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconhyd.2023.104169

Microplastics (MP), i.e., particles measuring less than 5 mm in size, are considered emerging pollutants. The ubiquity of MP is causing great concern among environmental and public health agencies. Anthropogenic activities are responsible for the extensive dispersal of MP in nature. Adverse effects on living organisms, interactions with other contaminants occurring in the environment, and the lack of effective degradation/removal techniques are significant issues related to MP. Most MP found in nature are fibrous (FMP). FMP originate from textile products, mainly synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester). Synthetic fibers are intensively used to produce countless goods due to beneficial characteristics such as high mechanical resistance and economic feasibility. FMP are ubiquitous on the planet and impart lasting adverse effects on biodiversity. Data on the consequences of long-term exposure to these pollutants are scarce in the literature. In addition, few studies address the main types of synthetic microfibers released from textiles, their occurrence, adverse effects on organisms, and remediation strategies. This review discusses the relevant topics about FMP and alerts the dangers to the planet. Furthermore, future perspectives and technological highlights for the FMP mitigation/degradation are presented. [Display omitted] •Fibrous microplastics are released from textile products during manufacture and use.•Occurrence of fibrous microplastics in the textile industry were addressed.•The primary environmental impacts caused by microplastics were discussed.•Fibrous microplastics removal and degradation techniques were presented.