Sources and dispersive modes of micro-fibers in the environment.
Integr Environ Assess Manag
; 13(3): 466-469, 2017 May.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28440926
ABSTRACT
Understanding the sources and distribution of microfibers (MFs) in the environment is critical if control and remediation measures are to be effective. Microfibers comprise an overwhelming fraction (>85%) of microplastic debris found on shorelines around the world. Although primary sources have not been fully vetted, until recently it was widely believed that domestic laundry discharges were the major source. It was also thought that synthetic fibers and particles having dimensions <5 mm easily bypassed filtration and other solid separation processes at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and entered oceans and surface waters. A more thorough assessment of WWTP effluent discharges indicates, however, that fiber and particulate counts do not support the belief that plants are the primary vectors for fibers entering the environment. This finding may bolster concerns that active and pervasive shedding of fibers from common fabrics and textiles could be contributing significantly, via direct pathways, to burgeoning environmental loads. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13466-469. © 2017 SETAC.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Plastics
/
Water Pollutants, Chemical
/
Waste Disposal, Fluid
/
Environmental Monitoring
Language:
En
Journal:
Integr Environ Assess Manag
Year:
2017
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States