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S. Raja Balasaraswathi and R. Rathinamoorthy
microplastic categories which are very difficult to be traced [2]. These can be in the
form of fragments, granules, or fibers [3]. Based on these sources, microplastics are
classified as primary microplastics and secondary microplastics [4]. The first one is
the manufacturing and usage of plastics of smaller sizes (Primary microplastics) and
another is due to the fragmentation or degradation of larger plastics into smaller ones
(Secondary microplastics) [2]. These microplastics should also be addressed and
it seeks even more attention than macroplastics since traceability, prevention, and
removal of microplastics are extremely challenging. The microplastics are generated
from various sources including erosion of tyres, synthetic textiles, marine coating,
road markings, personal care products like cosmetics and plastic pellets [4].
Among various sources, synthetic textiles play a dominant role in microplastic
emission. Textile materials can be a potential source of microplastics in the form of
short fibers. Synthetic fibers hold an irreplaceable place in the apparel and textile
industries. The ultimate properties and performance of synthetic fibers get such a
position in the textile field. The dominance of synthetic textiles in the industry keeps
on increasing and it accounts for around 63% of total fiber production [5]. The recent
accelerator of the global fashion market ‘fast fashion’ is one of the major reasons for
the higher consumption of synthetic textiles. Fast fashion focuses on faster production
at affordable prices. And synthetic textiles will be a good choice in achieving the low
cost and quick production concept of fast fashion. Microplastic fibers which shed
from synthetic textiles are considered as the main source of microplastic pollution.
About 20–35% of microplastics found in the marine environment resemble the fibers
which are similar to those used in the apparels [6]. In the study by Boucher and
Friot to estimate the sources of microplastics in the marine environment, it has been
reported that the synthetic textiles contribute more among various sources and it
accounts for 35% of total sources identified [4]. Figure 1 represents various sources
of microplastics from the literature. This confirms the important role played by
Fig. 1 Sources of microplastics in the marine environment [Authors own representation]
S. Raja Balasaraswathi and R. Rathinamoorthy
microplastic categories which are very difficult to be traced [2]. These can be in the
form of fragments, granules, or fibers [3]. Based on these sources, microplastics are
classified as primary microplastics and secondary microplastics [4]. The first one is
the manufacturing and usage of plastics of smaller sizes (Primary microplastics) and
another is due to the fragmentation or degradation of larger plastics into smaller ones
(Secondary microplastics) [2]. These microplastics should also be addressed and
it seeks even more attention than macroplastics since traceability, prevention, and
removal of microplastics are extremely challenging. The microplastics are generated
from various sources including erosion of tyres, synthetic textiles, marine coating,
road markings, personal care products like cosmetics and plastic pellets [4].
Among various sources, synthetic textiles play a dominant role in microplastic
emission. Textile materials can be a potential source of microplastics in the form of
short fibers. Synthetic fibers hold an irreplaceable place in the apparel and textile
industries. The ultimate properties and performance of synthetic fibers get such a
position in the textile field. The dominance of synthetic textiles in the industry keeps
on increasing and it accounts for around 63% of total fiber production [5]. The recent
accelerator of the global fashion market ‘fast fashion’ is one of the major reasons for
the higher consumption of synthetic textiles. Fast fashion focuses on faster production
at affordable prices. And synthetic textiles will be a good choice in achieving the low
cost and quick production concept of fast fashion. Microplastic fibers which shed
from synthetic textiles are considered as the main source of microplastic pollution.
About 20–35% of microplastics found in the marine environment resemble the fibers
which are similar to those used in the apparels [6]. In the study by Boucher and
Friot to estimate the sources of microplastics in the marine environment, it has been
reported that the synthetic textiles contribute more among various sources and it
accounts for 35% of total sources identified [4]. Figure 1 represents various sources
of microplastics from the literature. This confirms the important role played by
Fig. 1 Sources of microplastics in the marine environment [Authors own representation]