Application of GC/MS Pyrolysis for Assessment Residues of Textile Composites after Filtration of Washing and Rinsing Effluents

Abstract

Research on the sources of microplastics (MP) in the environment and the parameters that lead to the loss of microfibers from synthetic textiles during washing have recently attracted public attention. Considering the involvement of a variety of structural and process parameters, it is important to choose methods for quantifying fibers as MP pollutants that migrated during the washing process. In the research to date, various sampling techniques and analytical protocols for the identification of polymers from washed synthetic textiles have been applied. In the present research, pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), was applied to verify the composition of the filter residue isolated from washing and rinsing effluents. A comparison with bases of polymeric materials has proven the presence of potential environmental pollutants in the form of microfibers released during the washing process. The investigation confirmed that fragments of cotton cellulose residues predominate in relation to polyester. Based on the list of identified compounds generated by Py-GC/MS results and their retention times the multivariate data analysis proved the influence in the bath composition.

Approaches for Sampling and Sample Preparation for Microplastic Analysis in Laundry Effluents

“…Various analytical techniques are currently used for MPs identification, characterisation, and quantification, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) [60], Raman microscopy [61], scanning electron microscopy (SEM) [62] with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) [63], particle size distribution (PSD) [64], chromatographic techniques [65], and thermal analysis [66]. Of all available methods, IR spectroscopy, especially in combination with microscopy (µ-FTIR), currently offers the best prospects for standardisation.…”

“…The methods used to take samples for analysing MPs in wastewater from the washing process differ depending on whether they are used to analyse commercial washing machines or laboratory washing machines. In laboratory devices for washing simulation, metal cuvettes are used, the contents of which are then transferred to glass bottles (separately for each washing process [65] or assembled [98]). The MP particles themselves are then isolated by filtration with a glass fibre filter [99] or a PVDF filter [49].…”