CRC Press Microfiber Pollution: Environmental Challenges and Remediation Strategies (Microbial Biotechnology for Food, Health, and the Environment)

Microfibers, synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, are emerging contaminants widely distributed in air, water, and soil, posing significant ecological risks. The textile industry, driven by fast fashion trends, is a major source of microfiber pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. These fibers degrade air quality, especially indoors, where they shed from textiles and contribute to respiratory issues and have potential carcinogenic effects due to associated dyes and pollutants. The widespread impact on human health and ecosystems has spurred interest in sustainable textiles and efforts to reduce microfiber pollution. Microfiber Pollution: Environmental Challenges and Remediation Strategies examines the global sources, environmental impacts, and remediation strategies for microfibers, aiming to educate consumers and encourage industry shifts towards eco-friendly alternatives. Provides an in-depth examination of global microfiber sources, detailing their distribution in air, water, and soil, and highlighting the environmental and aquatic impacts. Explores advanced methods for detecting and characterizing microfibers, enhancing understanding of how these pollutants propagate into oceans and affect marine habitats. Discusses the potential threats of microfibers to aquatic species, human health, and the food chain. Reviews current remediation technologies and sustainability trends in the textile industry, offering insights into future challenges and motivating both consumers and industries to adopt eco-friendly practices.