Unveiling the Microfiber Release Footprint: Guiding Control Strategies in the Textile Production Industry

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c06210
• Publication Date: 2023-12-08T22:51:41Z
• Authors: Mengjing Wang; Junjie Yang; Siwen Zheng; Linran Jia; Zhi Yuan Yong; Ee Ling Yong; Hong Heng See; Jiuwei Li; Yunbo Lv; Xunchang Fei; Mingliang Fang
• Keywords: Microfiber; Textile; Textile industry; Synthetic fiber; Environmental Pollution

Microplastic fibers from textiles have been known to significantly contribute marine microplastic pollution. However, little is about the microfiber formation and discharge during textile production. In this study, we quantified emissions one large representative factory different stages, spanning seven materials, including cotton, polyester, blended fabrics, further guide control strategies. Wet-processing steps released up 25 times more microfibers than home laundering, with dyeing contributing 95.0% of total emissions. Microfiber release could be reduced by using white coloring, a lower temperature, shorter duration. Thinner, denser yarns increased pollution, whereas tightly twisted mitigated release. Globally, wet processing potentially produced 6.4 kt in 2020, China, India, US as significant contributors. The study underlined environmental impact production need for mitigation strategies, particularly processes fiber choice. addition, no difference was observed between virgin polyesters used ones. Replacing recycled polyester due their increasing consumption, might offer another potential solution. findings highlighted substantial on into environment, optimization material selection, knitting technologies, processing, materials effective