Plastic microfibers from household textile laundering: a critical review of their release and impact reduction

Abstract

This review addresses the role of household washing machines in the release of plastic microfibers (MFs), and means to minimize emissions. Specifically, various strategies with potential to mitigate MFs discharge are critically evaluated, such as modifying laundering conditions and implementing point-of-use capturing systems. The currently available point-of use devices for MFs removal are associated with technical limitations, and obtaining a complete removal of the plastic contaminants remains an open challenge. To allow safe wash water discharge and target impending regulations, point-of-use devices should be user-friendly, compatible with washing machines, easily maintainable, and provide near complete removal of MFs. Advantages, limitations, and challenges of capturing devices are thus critically discussed, and possible improvement strategies are proposed. MFs detection techniques are also briefly presented in this review, and the need for standardization and simplification is highlighted. Overall, efforts are required to promote a wide approach toward environment-friendly laundering of textiles, including source control, encouraging biodegradable materials use and recycling, and implementing effective filtration and treatment processes for MFs, both at the point-of-use and in centralized treatment plants.