The textile industry contributes to a large percentage of microplastic pollution in the form of microfibers. A study from the University of Plymouth analyzes how marine mussels (Mytilus galloprovinciallis) is affected by tiny specs of fiber.
The findings have been published in the journal Chemosphere. As drained water flows through water systems during the laundry cycle, microscopic fibers make their way into oceans, affecting marine life.
In the study, the team exposed Mediterranean mussel to various concentrations of tumble dryer lint during one week to mimic how marine life is exposed to microfiber pollution.
Results showed that the mussels suffered from abnormalities or injuries to various tissues in the gills and digestive glands. The team also assessed genetic damage associated with exposure to laundry lint.
The physiological damage resulted in inflammation and loss of cilia. As the mussels were exposed to increasing concentrations of microfiber, their ability to filter food and particles in seawater decreased. Genetically, there were broken DNA strands in blood cells concurring with the physical damages.
Microfiber & Chemical Pollution
Dr. Andrew Turner explained that laundry lint contains certain chemicals including bromine, zinc, iron, arsenic, and several others. He was also involved in a study from 2019 analyzing chemical waste from household laundry systems.
Washing clothes and other textiles in laundry systems "is among the most significant sources of synthetic microfibers within the environment," said Dr. Turner. Although the environmental impact of microfibers has been known for years, there are only a number of studies studying its specific impacts on ecosystems.
The study not only reveals how the fibers harm mussels and other marine wildlife but the chemicals associated with textiles, he said. For example, bromine compounds are associated with dyes. On the other hand, textiles do not contain arsenic or lead, suggesting that these chemicals may come from external sources such as household dust or the outdoors.
Plastic Pollution Affecting Larger Species
Professor Awadhesh Jha shared that mussels are "commonly used to monitor water quality in coastal areas, and the damage shown to them in this study is a cause for significant concern." Their genetic similarities to other shellfish suggest the possible effects of microfiber pollution on marine species all over the world.
Moreover, aquaculture is a growing industry as these contaminants are making their way to food sources. It is similar to fish species being poisoned by mercury from chemical waste and find their way to global seafood markets.
Microplastic pollution also affects larger species such as whales and dolphins. Earlier research from Florida Atlantic University analyzed the blubber and liver of stranded toothed whales and discovered multiple toxicants. Chemicals such as ingredients for commercial detergents, lead, arsenic, and manganese were also found.
The team discovered that the harmful chemicals came from single-use plastics and fossil fuel industries. Dr. Annie Page-Karijan said, "These chemicals work their way up through the food chain and get more concentrated the higher up they go. When dolphins and whales eat fish with concentrations of the chemicals, the toxic elements enter their bodies. Dolphins eat a variety of fish and shrimp in these marine environments and so do humans."
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