Introduction of Novel Entities x Fashion Industry

MICROFIBERS IN MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

Microfibers are a form of microplastics that come from the fragmentation of synthetic fibers. Due to their petroleum-based origin, microfibers are emerging pollutants with widespread distribution in the environment that cause adverse ecological impacts. Approximately 2 million tonnes of microfibers are released into the ocean every year from various sources.

Textiles release fibres to the environment during production, use, and at end-of-life disposal. Approximately two-thirds of all textile items are now synthetic, dominated by petroleum-based organic polymers such as polyester, polyamide and acrylic – Graph 1 represents different fractions of synthetic fabrics in the ocean.

Due to their resistance to biodegradation, the amount of microfibers in nature is critically increasing with time. Several recent studies revealed the omnipresence of microfibers in various marine environments, sludges, sediments of rivers, oceans, atmosphere and top soil.

Microfibres enter the aquatic environment as both primary sources – fibres < 5 mm in size released during production and use of textiles – and secondary sources involving fragmentation of larger items such as discarded clothing. Fragmentation through chemical and physical forces, such as photodegradation and abrasion, reduces plastic polymer materials to increasingly smaller particles that persist but are difficult to detect and analyse.

Most of the microfibers found in marine ecosystems are released from textile industries, with other key sources including household laundering, textile production, landfills located near the water source, domestic drainages, and dumping off of used clothes in rivers and oceans.

POTENTIAL THREAT TO AQUATIC ANIMALS AND HUMAN LIFE

The mechanisms for ecological and human health effects of microplastics are generally poorly understood but are likely multifaceted. Impacts on ecosystems and effects on human health are shown to be possible via a range of pathways in marine, freshwater and terrestrial environments (Fig 1).

Synthetic microfiber particles are highly dangerous, as they are prone to contaminate the food chain and many aquatic lives are affected by this type of pollutant. As per the reports of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2017, approximately 2 g of microfibers are released whenever synthetic jackets are washed, and of that, 40% microfibers enter into the water bodies. Fish, shellfish, and other large oceanic animals mistakenly take up the microfiber particles as food. These are absorbed in the tissue of aquatic creatures, which humans consume as food. Similarly, several birds that are reliant on little fishes are inadvertently ingesting these microfibers.

Some of the past studies have shown that the fish or other seafood taken up by humans can cause several diseases linked with hormonal disruption, reproductive problems, nervous tissue, liver and kidney damage, because of microfiber exposure.
The chemical water treatment process is expensive and urgently needs implementation due to the health risks posed by untreated water with colorants. Using strong oxidizing agents like chlorine and ozone for chemical degradation is costly and requires specialized equipment with high energy consumption. Overusing chlorine in treatment processes can worsen environmental issues. Synthetic textile dyes, while essential for fabric aesthetics, have become a major industry but pose significant threats to all life forms, including humans.

CONCLUSION AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Responsible dye choices begins with a thorough audit of factories and an assessment of wet processing techniques used in textile dyeing. The textile industry urgently needs scalable solutions to address the impact of chemicals on human health and the environment.

One potential approach is the adoption of undyed collections, which can significantly reduce wastewater and energy consumption during production. When brands do apply color to textiles, natural dyeing methods can be explored as a zero-waste solution. This shift towards natural dyes not only reduces environmental impact but also aligns with growing consumer demand for sustainable products.

Investing in new technologies and innovations for coloring textiles is crucial. Developing pigments and powders derived from textile waste presents a promising solution that can mitigate water-intensive processes and contamination. This approach not only addresses the environmental concerns but also promotes circular economy principles within the industry.

Changing the perceptions of consumers, textile producers, and designers is essential for widespread adoption of sustainable dyeing practices. Educating consumers about the environmental and health impacts of synthetic dyes can drive demand for more responsibly produced textiles. Additionally, promoting acceptance of color variations in large-volume production lines as an environmental practice can encourage the use of natural dyes on a larger scale.

To further support this transition, the industry should invest in R&D and the development of eco-friendly dyeing technologies, implement as well stricter regulations and transparency measures for chemical use in textile dyeing, while collaborate as well with dye manufacturers to know their processes in dying practices in their supply chain and to develop relevant industry- wide standards for sustainable dyeing practices and foster textile certifications.