Fate and Accumulation of Synthetic Microfibers in the Environment

Microfiber presence can be evidenced in every part of the biosphere. Synthetic fabrics are the primary sources of microfiber pollution. Polyester is a highly preferred synthetic fabric all over the world. Asian countries produce about 75–80% of the total fabric, which is used to cater to the modern trends of clothing. Domestic washing, textile wastes, aging and fragmentation, and wastewater treatment plants serve as major sources of microfiber in the environment. The downward flow of rivers, streams, and urban runoff has affected the oceans ineptly and microfiber can be evidenced in the surface, subsurface, benthic, and pelagic layers of the ocean. The whole marine habitat was affected by microfibers from submerged plants to higher mammals in the oceans. Thus, it has adversely affected the feeding, fecundity, and survival of the aquatic animals. Terrestrial environment or the atmospheric air is not safe today as microfiber is also evidenced in the atmosphere, forests, landscapes, and agricultural fields. Wind, climate change, and monsoons can transfer the microfiber to long distances in the atmosphere, which can lead its way to the arctic region and microfiber has been evidenced in polar sea ice. Flora, fauna, and soil microbiota are also affected by the presence of microfiber in soil. Exposure of microfiber to humans through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact can pose serious health hazards such as abrasions, perforation, blockages, and respiratory and skin disorders. Consumption of seafoods such as fish, molasses, and sea salt can transfer microfibers into the food chain and deposition of microfiber within the body. There is an urgent need to regulate the release of textile or laundry waste into the environment to tackle the pollution level. A detailed study by environmentalists and researchers can help in the development of new technology for the removal of microfibers. A comprehensive methodology and futuristic approach are needed to mitigate the microfibers from the environment.