Impact of washing and fading treatments on denim fabric biodegradation and soil behaviour

Abstract This study examines the effect of various washing and fading treatments on the biodegradation of denim fabrics, focusing on both fabric degradation and soil behaviour. For this aim, systematic washing and fading treatments were applied to a raw denim fabric (100% cotton) to assess their impact on biodegradation comprehensively. The fabrics were tested using the soil burial method across three different periods (1, 2 and 3 months) for biodegradation. Before burial, the breaking properties of the fabrics were measured. The biodegradation was evaluated through visual inspection, microscopic examination, weight loss (%) and Fourier Transform–infrared (FTIR) analysis. In addition, total organic carbon (TOC) in soil samples was determined to examine the degradation. Additionally, ecotoxicity and plant growth tests were conducted to assess any potentially harmful effects in the soil following the final burial period. The research revealed that washing and fading treatments had a significant impact on the breaking strength and biodegradability of denim fabrics. Among these, stone washing with bleaching caused the highest level of damage, and after 3 months of degradation, these denim fabrics were almost destroyed. Visual inspections and microscopic examinations illustrated the deterioration of fabrics during burial. After 3 months of degradation in soil, all denim fabrics lost more than 60% of their weight. Except for rinse‐washed and enzyme washed denim, weight loss (%) was greater than 90% after 3 months of degradation. Plant growth and ecotoxicity tests indicated that there were no harmful or toxic elements in the soil samples where the fabrics were buried during the degradation period.