Micro- and Nanoplastics Produced from Textile Finishes: A Review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Plastic pollution is a significant global issue, with increasing research into nanoscale plastic debris.
• Textile industry practices, specifically polymeric coatings, contribute to the release of nanoplastics.
• Polymeric nanoplastics (PNPs) from textile finishes are a novel and concerning category of pollution, superseding terms like fibrous microplastics (FMPs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an intensive review of polymeric nanoplastics (PNPs) originating from textile finishes and coatings.
• To highlight the contribution of PNPs and FMPs from textiles to the environmental load of microplastics.
• To summarize methodologies for identifying and quantifying nanoplastics shed from textile polymeric coatings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of over 40 studies.
• Analysis of physical, chemical, and mechanical parameters of nanoplastics.
• Investigation of methodologies for nanoplastic identification and quantification.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a link between textile industry activity, PNP concentration in freshwater/sediments, and textile fibers.
• Identified PNPs from textile coatings as a major contributor to microplastic pollution.
• Characterized nanoplastics based on physical, chemical, and mechanical properties.

Conclusions:

• Polymeric nanoplastics (PNPs) from textile coatings represent a critical area of plastic pollution research.
• Understanding PNP sources and characteristics is vital for mitigating textile-induced environmental contamination.
• Standardized methods for PNP identification and quantification are essential for effective environmental monitoring and management.