Ecotoxicological impacts of synthetic microfiber pollutants and development of sustainable mitigation strategies

Microfibers are one of the most widespread, persistent, and increasingly common pollutants in wastewater accounting for 85 % of global shoreline pollution, and are found in 54 % of individual fish species. The current possible sources of this pollution are domestic laundering processes, commercial fishing activities, laundry discharge, and waste textiles relating to various anthropogenic activities. Approximately 90,000–380,000 tons of fiber have accumulated in the world's oceans. Microfiber pollution from textile manufacturing and everyday laundering processes releases up to 90 % of primary microfibers in the oceans. The consumption of synthetic microfibres by living organisms can disrupt feeding behaviors, impair growth, and compromise reproductive capabilities, ultimately resulting in effects at the population level. This paper focuses on improving the understanding of urban population influence on microfiber pollution and its fate and transport through various pathways into the environment. The review also emphasizes the ecotoxicological consequences of microfiber pollution on various living organisms and human health. Most significantly, the paper highlights novel strategies for sustainable microfiber waste management approaches. • Microfibers originate mainly from synthetic textiles during washing into wastewater. • Microfiber poses ecotoxicological consequences to the environment and human health. • Techniques such as microscopy and spectroscopy are used to detect microfiber pollution. • Localized treatment systems for industrial wastewater are being used to prevent microfiber pollution.