Separation and Identification of Microfibers in the Wastewater of Textile Finishing Process

Abstract

Microplastic pollution is an important global problem caused by the textile industry, which accounts for 35% of microplastics emitted as microfibers (MFs). Microplastics interact with a variety of organisms due to their small dimensions, leading to chromosomal mutations. The goal of this research is to identify and separate microfibers discharged by textile finishing machinery, which is used to give textiles a soft touch. Within the scope of the study, wastewater samples were taken separately in February and March 2022, right after the device exit, before being discharged to the factory effluent and pre-treated for 5 days at 25 °C with 15% H2O2. Then, the microfibers were separated from the wastewater with the help of a filter. The accumulated microfibers on the filters were examined using a light microscope, and their chemical composition was determined using micro-FTIR analysis. Furthermore, energy dispersive X-ray scanning electron microscopy (EDX/SEM) was used for analyzing the structure of microfibers. The findings revealed the presence of acrylic and cotton microfibers in the wastewater samples, with varying concentrations observed on different dates (0.058 g/L and 0.251 g/L), emphasizing the severity of the microplastic issue we currently face.