UK-US study: washing machine water consumption proportional to microplastics produced

According to the "Lianhe Zaobao" report on September 29, a new study published in the US "Environmental Science and Technology" recently showed that the key to affecting the detachment of microplastics such as fibers from clothes is the amount of water used in the washing process of the washing machine, not the amount of water used in the washing proce.

Microplastics in the ocean are small-sized plastic particles that pose risks to marine ecological securi.

Researchers at the University of Newcastle, UK, in collaboration with Proctor & Gamble, used a benchtop device consisting of eight 1000ml wash containers to simulate washing conditions in a home washing machine, and then used a digital colour imaging system to accurately calculate the fibers of polyester garments after washi.

The researchers found that the more water a washing machine uses, the more fiber it she.

By reducing the use of high-water laundry patterns, people can do their part to reduce the release of clothing fibers into the environment, said Neil Rand, a P&G researcher who participated in the stu.

The researchers hope that the results of this research can be used to improve the design of future washing machines and clothing, such as the appliance industry has begun to introduce microfiber filters in some new washing machines, and the textile industry is also looking for ways to reduce the level of fiber shedding in new cloth.