Microplastic Fibre From Textile: Evaluation and Impact on Human Health

Over the past decade, the fields of polymeric materials have faced mounting scrutiny due to the growing environmental and health concerns associated with microplastic pollution, particularly from the textile industry. Fabrics composed of synthetic polymers are a significant source of microplastic fibers, primarily released during routine washing, drying, and wearing processes. Once shed, these tiny fibers are widely dispersed in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments, raising alarms about their long-term persistence and possible accumulation across various ecosystems. Recent studies have demonstrated not only the ubiquity of these fibers but also their ability to act as vectors for harmful chemicals and pathogens, underscoring the urgent need for a better understanding of their fate, transport, and biological interactions. Despite considerable research progress, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding standardized quantification techniques, long-term effects on human health, and the effectiveness of measures to mitigate their release.

The objective of this Research Topic is to gather robust experimental and modeling studies that contribute to a standardized framework for the identification, quantification, and mitigation of microplastic fiber release. Moreover, this collection seeks to illuminate the direct and indirect impacts these microplastic fibers have on human health, from their release and distribution in the environment, to their ingestion, inhalation, and potential bioaccumulation.

To bring further insights into the sources, properties, and impacts of microplastic fiber pollution from synthetic textiles, this Research Topic covers studies involving the fate, detection, mitigation, and toxicological evaluation of materials. Research focused on natural fibers or broader plastic issues not specific to fibers, will not be considered. We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Mechanisms of microplastic fiber release during textile manufacturing and use
• Data collection of microplastic fiber detection and quantification by ISO standard
• Eco-design strategies and production modifications to minimize fiber shedding
• Development and evaluation of anti-release treatments for polymeric textiles
• Human health risks associated with microplastic fiber exposure and bioaccumulation
• Analytical and modeling techniques for tracking microplastic fiber pathways
• Environmental distribution and fate of microplastic fiber from textiles

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• Mini Review
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review

Keywords: microplastics, microplastic fibers, microplastic bioaccumulation, fiber shedding, synthetic textiles, ISO standard

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.