Chapter 16: Mitigation Strategies for Microfiber Pollution

In this chapter, an outline of the available strategies for mitigating microfiber contamination is presented. As most of the microfibers enter the environment from the washing of synthetic clothing, most mitigation strategies have mainly focused on preventing microfiber discharge from domestic and industrial washing of synthetic garments. First, efforts have been made to assess the impact of a few washing parameters that affect the discharge of microfibers, with the aim of designing washing programs with minimal discharges. Other endeavors related to washing practices incorporate devices designed to capture microfibers in domestic (in-drum or external) or industrial washing (ceramic membranes). Additional techniques for mitigating microfiber contamination incorporate modifications to the composition and structure of standard synthetic fabrics and educational and awareness campaigns. As none of these strategies are 100% efficient in preventing microfiber release, they can be complemented with conventional wastewater treatment plants that can capture microfibers that escape other mitigation strategies. The recuperated microfibers can be reused as raw materials within the building sector or in pyrolysis to generate oil, gas, and char.