Degradation of Synthetic and Wood-based Cellulose Fabrics in the Marine Environment: Comparative Assessment of Field, Aquarium, and Bioreactor Experiments

This study examines the degradation of synthetic and wood-based cellulose fabrics in marine environments, focusing on their persistence and biodegradation.

Using polyester as a synthetic fabric example and lyocell as a wood-based cellulose fabric, the researchers conducted experiments in real seawater, controlled aquariums, and bioreactors to assess their breakdown and environmental impact.

The findings show that polyester remains largely intact even after 200 days in seawater. Its hydrophobic surface resists biofilm formation, limiting biological degradation. In contrast, lyocell biodegrades rapidly, deconstructing within 30 days in marine conditions. The biofilm that develops on lyocell facilitates the process, integrating it into the marine carbon cycle. Bioreactor experiments confirmed these results, with lyocell fibers degrading fully within 60 to 90 days, while polyester showed no significant degradation over the same period.

The study highlights concerns about the environmental impact of synthetic fabrics, particularly microfibers released during washing and wearing. These microfibers persist in the environment, contributing to marine pollution and entering the food chain. The growing trend of recycling plastics into textiles exacerbates this issue, as recycled polyester creates smaller, potentially more harmful microplastics.

The researchers recommend exploring alternatives to recycling plastics into clothing to reduce microfiber pollution. Instead, plastics should be recycled into items that are less likely to release microplastics, mitigating their impact on marine ecosystems.