The origin of microplastic fiber in polyester textiles: The textile production process matters

摘要: Abstract Microplastic fibers (MPF) are often detected in waste water treatment plants and environmental samples, which implies a pathway of MPF release from domestic washing textiles into the environment. Although there many textile washing/release studies, it is still unclear to what extent liberated MPFs originate processes during (e.g. abrasion) or rather earlier supply chain. Understanding origin important since different formation mechanisms would lead mitigation strategies. Therefore, aim our study was investigate presence various intermediate finished polyester products. In this study, we developed sonication extraction method quantify characterize extractable already present (i.e. manufacturing related MPFs). To identify process responsible for formation, included 18 representative products along production line. The dynamics all materials were investigated by ultrasonication. number extracted ranged 15 MPF/g filament 45′400 scissor-cut microfiber textile. We found that rotor yarn exhibited an elevated (4′310 MPF/g) compared other types yarns (160–230 MPFs/g), suggesting spinning may be critical step formation. On average, five times more could with processed surfaces (such as Fleece, Plain brushed Microfiber) those unprocessed surfaces. This suggests abrasive friction another factor Furthermore, demonstrated three 31 higher than laser-cut textiles, enabling us quantitatively discriminate between contribution surface opposed originating edges. majority 100 800 μm length. results help reduce modifications throughout finishing process.