Larval inland silversides with cotton microfibers in their digestive tracts. Credit: Oregon State University
While microplastics have received significant attention in recent years for their negative environmental impacts, a new study from Oregon State University scientists found microfibers from synthetic materials as well as cotton impacted the behavior and growth of water organisms.
“We’re trying to shift the narrative a little bit because so much of the focus has been just on the plastics, but really we need to focus more generally on microfibers of all types,” said Susanne Brander, an associate professor and ecotoxicologist at Oregon State. “What we are seeing is that even the cotton, while it has less of an impact than the synthetic materials, still has an impact on the growth and behavior of the organisms we studied.”
The study, published this week in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, is being released at a time of increased attention on regulating microfibers. Like microplastics, microfibers are of concern because scientists are increasingly identifying them in water samples and finding they are causing adverse impacts in organisms and ecosystems.
A bill was recently introduced in Oregon that would require new clothes washers sold in the state be equipped with a microfiber filtration system. France recently approved a similar measure and several other countries, states and provinces are considering bills. Related, a study from Canada in 2021 found that washing machine filters reduce microfiber emissions.
Larval inland silversides with polyester microfibers in their digestive tracts. Credit: Oregon State University
Brander, who studies the responses of aquatic organisms to…
2023-02-01 17:20:20 Cotton and synthetic microfibers impact behavior and growth of aquatic organisms
Article from phys.org The use of synthetic microfibers and cotton as a resource material in everyday goods has caused an increase in water pollution, leading to unexpected and devastating effects on aquatic organisms. Recent research has indicated that microfibers, consisting of plastic pieces smaller than 5mm, are being washed away from fabrics due to washing machines, and then carried into nearby aquatic ecosystems.
Within water environments, the behavior and growth of aquatic organisms are heavily altered due to the ingestion of contaminated cotton and other synthetic microfibers. These fibers, which are often coated with pollutants, are mistaken by fish, turtles, and other creatures as food particles, leading to a variety of illnesses, such as blockage of the digestive system, abdominal inflammation, and illness. Furthermore, research has also concluded that there are neurological effects, as well as changes in behavior, in animals exposed to these plastic particles. These effects can include aggression and cannibalism, leading to a decrease in population size for certain species.
Additionally, synthetic microfibers often lead to a decrease in productivity in certain ecosystems. In certain areas, these plastic waste materials compromise oxygen transport in fish, leading to an increase in mortality. Consequently, the reproductive cycle of the species is disrupted, leading to further spread of contamination. This has further encouraged the development of dead zones in aquatic bodies, areas of water where oxygen levels are too low to support life.
In order to reduce the contamination of microfibers in aquatic environments, there are a few measures that must be implemented. First and foremost, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption and find alternative materials to synthetic fibers. Also, behavioral changes are critical, such as avoiding garment discarding and properly disposing of used materials. It is also possible to filter out microfibers through a microfiltration system, or to increase the awareness of the negative effects of contamination by educating citizens and corporations.
In conclusion, it is clear that cotton and synthetic microfibers continue to affect the behavior and growth of aquatic organisms in a negative way, leading to drastic changes in the environment. To reduce the impact of these materials on aquatic life, it is essential to take the necessary steps to reduce contamination, such as changing current practices, using microfiltration systems, and reducing plastic consumption.