Judith Weiss, a professor of biological sciences at Rutgers University in Newark, explained how we can reduce the formation of microplastics when washing clothes.
When washing machines release microfibers from clothes, they often end up in the wastewater stream going to the wastewater treatment plant. Modern treatment plants can remove up to 99% of microfibers from water. But millions of microfibers are created with one load of laundry, so even purified water afterwards contains large amounts of them.
Treated sewage sludge usually mixes with the soil as fertilizer. In this way, microfibers penetrate the air and soil, are transferred to soil organisms and the terrestrial food web, or are absorbed by plants.
Microplastics entering rivers, lakes and bays can have a wide range of harmful effects on human and animal health. Additionally, textile microfibers contain additional chemicals that have proven toxic.
But there are several ways to help reduce the release of microfibers from fabrics. First of all, wash less frequently and fill your washing machine fully. Second, use cold water when washing as it releases less microfiber than hot water. Third, try to use less detergent. Fourth, use a front-loading washing machine. Finally, dry your laundry by hanging it in the dryer instead.
Source: Ferra
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