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Sources of Microplastics: Not Just Bottles—Clothing Fibers Are the Largest Pollutant

Plastic’s growing role in daily life is creating severe environmental burdens. While visible plastic waste pollutes oceans and endangers wildlife, microplastics, tiny particles released as plastic degrades, are present everywhere, including air, soil, rivers, and oceans.

A study from PNAS revealed that 84% of microplastics in the U.S. West come from roads, not oceans, with microplastics found in rain, coined as “plastic rain”. These particles can remain airborne for up to a week, traveling across continents and oceans.

Surprisingly, most microplastics come from clothing fibers. Synthetic fibers shed during washing are not fully filtered by wastewater treatment plants, ending up in the ocean. Over time, microplastics circulate through air and water, creating a disturbing environmental cycle. Additionally, tire wear on roads contributes significantly to microplastic pollution.


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