Characterization of Microplastics Released Based on Polyester Fabric Construction during Washing and Drying

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.

Microplastics in Wastewater by Washing Polyester Fabrics

“…Additionally, many studies have provided estimates of microfiber emissions from synthetic textiles during machine washing. Numerous studies and results show that textiles are among the main potential polluters due to the release of fibres, and that one of the reasons for this is the washing process [ 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. Research has shown that the type of construction itself affects the amount of microfibers released.…”

“…The first wash releases most of the microfibers, and as the number of washes increases, the release will decrease. It is emphasized that washing parameters such as time and temperature have an influence on the release of microfibers [ 44 ]. Some possibilities to avoid this phenomenon are listed in Table 2 .…”

The Effect of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Synthetic Fabrics on the Release of Microplastics during Washing and Drying

“…The wastewater, collected in 20 L containers for each washing procedure, was filtered separately. A specific filtration method reported by Choi et al [20] was used. The weight and length of the microplastics were also analyzed.…”

Fibras Têxteis Sintéticas E a Liberação De Microplásticos: Uma Revisão

“…De acordo com Kelly et al (2019), as maiores fontes de poluição microplástica incluem pneus de carros e vestuário de origem sintética, que podem entrar no ambiente através das águas residuais utilizadas nas lavagens domésticas desses tecidos. microplásticos (CHOI et al, 2021).…”

“…e) Uma maior densidade e compactação do tecido tende a liberar menos microplásticos (CHOI et al (2021). f) Os processos de secagem doméstica também liberam microplásticos, evidenciando um risco em potencial para os moradores da residência (CHOI et al, 2021) O 'BRIEN et al (2020).…”