Abstract
With the increasing production of synthetic materials, more microplastic fibers are being generated while washing clothes. Consequently, these particles are increasingly detected in the aquatic environment. Synthetic fibers produced via washing have a relatively high contribution to microplastic pollution. Hence, recent research on reducing the release of microplastic fibers is attracting considerable attention. In this study, fabric-specific analysis was performed by strictly controlling various factors, and each washing and drying process was improved by focusing on the mechanical factors affecting microplastic release. Furthermore, the mass of the collected microplastic fibers and their length distribution were measured. Fabric construction, including chemical composition and yarn type, impacted the microplastics released during washing and drying. Differences in the mechanical factors during washing helped to identify the physical factors affecting microplastic release. These results on the release of microplastics may provide a basis for developing a filter system that can minimize the unintended environmental consequences.
Highlights
Plastics detected in the aquatic environment were first investigated in 1972, when plastics were rarely used [1]
Among the primary microplastics introduced into the oceans worldwide, synthetic fiber wash contributes to as much as 34.8%; research is being directed toward the fiber form of microplastics [6]
This study focused on different synthetic fabrics that released fewer microplastics, and the microplastics released during machine washing and tumble drying were gravimetrically and microscopically analyzed
Summary
Plastics detected in the aquatic environment were first investigated in 1972, when plastics were rarely used [1]. Plastic materials constitute up to 95% of the debris that pollutes marine environments, caused by the unintentional release or indiscriminate disposal of synthetic materials. This plastic debris exists in various forms, types, sizes, and colors, and has become a subject of scientific discussion [2,3,4]. Plastic waste fragmented through various processes causes marine pollution. These fragments, called microplastics, refer to a material composed of small or fine solid particles, which are made of synthetic polymers and are smaller than 5 mm [5]. Among the primary microplastics introduced into the oceans worldwide, synthetic fiber wash contributes to as much as 34.8%; research is being directed toward the fiber form of microplastics [6]
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