Marine microfiber pollution: A review on present status and future challenges. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mishra, Sunanda; Rath, Chandi charan; Das, Alok Prasad
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 140(2019)
• Page Start: 188
• Page End: 197
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: Microfibers -- Generation -- Pollution -- Health hazards -- Treatment; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.01.039
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Microfibers are emerging pollutants with widespread distribution in the environment and have adverse ecological impacts. Approximately 2 million tonnes of microfibers are released into the ocean every year from various sources, of which 700, 000 micro fleeces are released from each garment through domestic laundry. Microfibers are the major marine pollutant throughout the world estimating 13 million tonnes of coastal synthetic fabric waste entering the ocean each year, out of which 2.5 million tonnes enter through adjoining rivers. It is anticipated that, to date, 1.5 million trillion of microfibers are present in the ocean. Microfibers are mistakenly ingested by marine animals and cause hazardous effects to aquatic species. Microfiber treatment techniques are under progress for efficient control of this pollutant. This article focuses on global microfiber generation and its sources, pathway of its entry into the environment and food chain, potential threat to aquatic animals and humans, present treatment technologies, and future challenges. Highlights: Global microfiber generation, its sources and pollution of were discussed. Most significantly the pathways of microfiber pollution from domestic drainage to river and finally to ocean are discussed. The hazardous effects of microfiber pollution on marine aquatic species and human life are briefly explained. The present and future of microfiber pollution and its remediation strategies are reviewed.