Threads of Toxicity: Microplastic Pollution in Modern Textiles
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Student
Student Year and Major
Sophomore, Aerospace Engineering
Presentation Description/Abstract
With the use of synthetic fabrics on the rise, how do these fabrics affect biological processes, and how do washing cycles of these fabrics contribute to water pollution? Synthetic fabrics, including polyester, nylon, and acrylic, make up over 60% of global production of textiles and are one of the primary drivers of microplastic pollution. Stresses on the fabrics during laundry cycles detach hundreds of thousands of microfibers per washed load, going through wastewater treatment facilities in high volumes and contaminating marine and freshwater ecosystems. Beyond waterways, friction can wear on the fabrics and generates airborne microplastic concentrations, leading to direct inhalation in certain environments, which has been correlated to lung cancer. Persistent synthetic fibers contain and desorb hazardous chemical additives, including endocrine-disrupting plasticizers, adsorbing persistent hydrophobic toxins.
Keywords
Continuous Use Plastics, Plastic Degradation, Clothing Contamination, Plastic Pollution, Microplastic Infiltration, Water Contamination, Airborne Microplastics, Synthetic Fabrics, Microplastics, Polyester
Threads of Toxicity: Microplastic Pollution in Modern Textiles
With the use of synthetic fabrics on the rise, how do these fabrics affect biological processes, and how do washing cycles of these fabrics contribute to water pollution? Synthetic fabrics, including polyester, nylon, and acrylic, make up over 60% of global production of textiles and are one of the primary drivers of microplastic pollution. Stresses on the fabrics during laundry cycles detach hundreds of thousands of microfibers per washed load, going through wastewater treatment facilities in high volumes and contaminating marine and freshwater ecosystems. Beyond waterways, friction can wear on the fabrics and generates airborne microplastic concentrations, leading to direct inhalation in certain environments, which has been correlated to lung cancer. Persistent synthetic fibers contain and desorb hazardous chemical additives, including endocrine-disrupting plasticizers, adsorbing persistent hydrophobic toxins.