Beaches increasingly polluted by clothes fibres
Tiny plastic debris from clothes fibres is increasingly accumulating in marine habitats, according to new research
According to a study publishing in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, microplastics, measuring less than 1mm across, are contaminating shorelines at 18 sites worldwide, with more material in densely populated areas.
The scientists who authored the report believe that an important source of microplastic is sewage contaminated by fibres from washed clothes.
Forensic evaluation of microplastic from sediments reveals the proportions of polyester and acrylic fibres used in clothing resembled those found in habitats that receive sewage-discharges and sewage-effluent.
Samples of wastewater from domestic washing machines reveal that a single garment can produce more than 1,900 fibres per wash.