Synthetic Fibers From Bioplastic Clothing Persist in the Ocean for Over a Year

Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental problems of our time. Every year, more than 100 million tons of plastic enter the environment, with over 10 million tons ending up in the oceans.

These plastics degrade into harmful microplastic particles that can be ingested by wildlife.

We often think of plastic waste as bottles, bags, and packaging. But synthetic fibers that are used to make clothing, rugs, and other textiles are also a major source of plastic pollution.

More than 60 million tons of plastic fabric is produced annually, much of which ends up in landfills.

One possible solution to this crisis is the use of biodegradable plastics or bioplastics.

These are plastics that are designed to break down naturally into gases and water, without causing lasting damage to the environment.

But how effective are bioplastics in reality?

A popular bioplastic fails to degrade

(Photo : INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)

A new study, led by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego, California, has found that a common bioplastic material called polylactic acid (PLA) does not degrade as fast as expected in the ocean, as per Phys.org.

The researchers tested fiber samples from bio- and oil-based plastic materials and natural fibers, such as cotton in coastal waters and on the seafloor.

They monitored these fibers over time using a microscope to see if they were breaking down.

They found that while cotton fibers started to degrade within a month, synthetic fibers, including PLA, showed no signs of degradation even after 400 days submerged in the ocean.

This means that bioplastic clothing and textiles may not be as eco-friendly as they seem, and that they may still contribute to microplastic pollution and harm marine life.

How clothing fibers reach the ocean

The plastic pollution that comes from clothing is a particularly complex issue.

Clothes are often not recycled or even recyclable, and they release tiny plastic fibers into the environment through wear and tear, as per The Conversation.

Clothing fibers can reach the ocean through various pathways.

For example, clothes that are washed into the sea may be broken up by waves or sand particles, releasing fibers as they fray.

Even by just wearing our clothes, we may shed plastic fibers into the air or water, some of which may end up in the ocean.

Another major source of clothing fiber pollution is washing our clothes. When we wash synthetic fabrics, fibers may become detached and flow down our drains.

These fibers may not be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants and may end up in rivers or seas.

Also Read: Scientists Creates Enzyme that Breaks Down Plastics Turning Centuries of Degradation Into Days

What can we do to reduce clothing fiber pollution?

No matter what we do, clothing fibers will inevitably find their way into the environment.

But there are some steps we can take to reduce their impact, as per Post Online Media.

Choose natural or organic fabrics over synthetic ones whenever possible. These fabrics are more likely to degrade faster and cause less harm to wildlife.

Wash your clothes less frequently and use gentle cycles and cold water. This can reduce the amount of fibers that are released during washing.

Use a filter or a bag to catch fibers in your washing machine or dryer. These devices can trap some of the fibers that would otherwise go down the drain or into the air.

Dispose of your unwanted clothes responsibly. Don't throw them away or flush them down the toilet.

Donate them to charity shops or recycling centers if they are still wearable or reusable.

Support research and innovation on developing more sustainable and biodegradable fabrics and textiles. These could help reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment.

Related article: Recycled Plastics Harm Environment by Leaking Hazardous Chemicals, According to Experts