Characterization of microfibers emission from textile washing from a domestic environment

Abstract

Microfibers and microplastics are widely recognized emerging pollutants, which have the potential to cause an Eco-toxicological effect. Cellulosic and synthetic fibers are being released almost equally to the environment. Synthetic fibers released were non-biodegradable resulting in a significant negative impact on the environment. In the present study, four different households using fully automated washing machines (2 top-load, 2 front-load) were studied in a domestic laundry environment under real conditions. Laundry effluents were collected and contaminants analysis was carried out. The results estimated that the average emission rate of the four households was 7,453,635 MF/7Kg (FL, H1), 7,375,500 MFs/6Kg (FL, H2), 10,692,255 MFs/7Kg (TL, H3) and 7,589,017 MFs/6.2Kg (TL, H4). Synthetic fiber's emission rate was only about 19 %, and the average length range of microfibers released was found to be in the range of ≤5 μm (48.64 %), and the least amount of emission was found in the >500 μm range (11.49 %).