Scrutinizing the chemical and morphological alterations of microfibers released from household washing machines under varying temperature conditions

Abstract

To fulfill a huge demand that is arising globally due to the skyrocketing population, the textile industry is shifting toward cheaper, sturdier, enduring fabrics. Apparently, innovations are turning out to be banes instead of boons, as they are generating a lot of waste, leading to the destruction of the environment. Microfibers are one such example of an emerging environmental contaminant with several irreversible, health, and ecosystem repercussions. This study deals with the effects of temperature on the generation of microfibrils from washing machines. Three different temperatures ranging from lower to higher were considered. The net weight of microfibers released from higher temperatures was found to be 1132.5 ± 41.3 mg/20 L using gravimetric analysis. The fibers released from the higher temperature, that is, 60°C, were 2.7 and 1.6 times higher than those released from colder temperatures, 30 and 40°C, respectively. The length and diameter of these microfibers were in the microplastic size range. The polyester fiber was found to be released in higher amounts after identification with Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The results of this study can help consumers implement sustainable behavior and regulations to lessen the release of microfibers from washing household textiles. © 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.