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Global microplastic fiber pollution from domestic laundry
Chunhui Wang1, Jing Song1, Luís Miguel Nunes2
1Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China.
Fast fashion laundry releases millions of tons of microplastic fibers (MPFs) annually. This study models global MPF emissions, highlighting Asia as the largest source and varying wastewater treatment efficiencies worldwide.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Oceanography
- Textile Science
Background:
- Fast fashion's growth accelerates microplastic fiber (MPF) release from laundry, contributing significantly to ocean pollution.
- A substantial knowledge gap exists regarding the global scale of MPF emissions from textile washing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an innovative empirical model for assessing the spatial distribution of MPF emissions from laundry.
- To provide the first high-resolution global map of MPF emissions and discharge into natural waters.
Main Methods:
- Development of an empirical model to estimate MPF emissions from laundry practices.
- Analysis of MPF release contributions from machine versus hand washing.
- Assessment of regional MPF emission disparities and wastewater treatment efficiencies.
Main Results:
- Estimated annual global MPF emission from laundry at 5.69 million tons.
- Machine washing accounts for 93.7% of MPF emissions, with Asia being the largest emitter (3.71 million tons).
- Significant variations in wastewater management efficiency globally, leading to high MPF discharge in Asia and better retention in the US and Europe.
Conclusions:
- Household laundry is a major source of global microplastic pollution, necessitating international cooperation.
- The study establishes a crucial data foundation for managing microplastics from laundry at global and regional levels.
- Addressing MPF pollution requires improved wastewater treatment and collaborative environmental conservation efforts.
