Occurrence, sources, fate and transport of textile fibers in oceanic environments

Global production of synthetic and natural textile fibres has more than doubled in the last 20 years, reaching 107 million tonnes in 2018 and is expected to reach 145 million tonnes in 2030 if business continues as usual. Synthetic fibers now account for nearly two-thirds of global fiber production and 14.5% of plastic production, although it is now clear that most of the fibers found in the environment are natural fibers of animal or plant origin, such as cotton and wool. The increasing consumption of textile products has led to the accumulation of large quantities of microfibers in the marine environment, with impacts and degradation times currently unknown. Textile fibers are now the most prevalent type of anthropogenic particle detected in microplastic pollution surveys worldwide, often accounting for 80-90% of microplastic counts. Substantial concentrations of microfibers have been detected globally in surface and subsurface waters, polar regions, deep-sea and coastal sediments, as well as terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Recent studies have reported the presence of these particles in atmospheric samples even in the most remote areas of the planet. Given their abundance, it is not surprising that fibers have also been found in food, drinking water, and human lungs, as well as in the digestive system of many aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The potential impacts of microfiber ingestion on marine organisms are still under investigation, but concerns exist regarding physical damage, reduced feeding, and the transfer of adsorbed pollutants. Furthermore, a wide variety of chemicals, including dyes, additives, and flame retardants, are used during natural and synthetic textile production, raising concerns about the role of fibers as carriers of hazardous substances in the environment. Future research should focus on understanding the degradation rates of different fiber types, the effects of microfibers on marine ecosystems, and the development of strategies to reduce microfiber pollution. This talk will review and summarize available information on the occurrence, sources, fate, accumulation, and transport of natural and synthetic fibers in the marine environment. Results and research experiences dealing with the distribution, movements, long-range transport, degradation, and sinking dynamics of fibers in ocean environments will be presented. The main methods used to quantify this contaminant in the marine environment and the critical knowledge gaps that require further research will also be discussed. By understanding the extent of microfiber pollution and its potential impacts on marine ecosystems, we can work towards sustainable textile production and consumption practices.