Research by Keele University revealing pollution of waterways by fibres used in the clothing industry is featured in a new Government White Paper.
The UK Microplastics White Paper says more needs to be done to tackle the negative impact on UK waterways of plastic microfibres from washing laundry.
Synthetic fabrics, such as polyester, acrylic or elastane, are the biggest source of primary floating microplastics in the world’s oceans.
Natural fibres from clothing are also a serious pollutant – and it’s this threat to waterways that was investigated by a Keele-led research project.
The “Restorying Riverscapes” initiative, which saw the University study the impact of Leek’s once- booming textile industry on the nearby River Churnet and Rudyard Lake, is featured in the White Paper to highlight emerging concerns about natural fibres.
The Riverscapes team took a 25cm sediment core from Rudyard Lake and found fibres still remained in the deepest and oldest layers of the sample.
Deirdre McKay, Professor of Sustainable Development at Keele University, said: “Our work supports the white paper’s call for all new washing machines to be fitted with microfibre filters, to prevent microfibre pollution arising from our laundry.
“The Riverscapes project highlighted the fascinating history of Leek and the Churnet. People here take a lot of pride in the amazing textiles the area produced.
“However, what was most revealing from our study was just how long it could take the river to recover from its industrial heyday.
“Rivers are nature’s highways. Textile fibres, both natural and synthetic, are generated in our everyday practices of clothing and textile care.
“Once in our rivers, these fibres can potentially interact with many other chemical pollutants which might stick to the fibres’ surfaces and then be transported long distances, including out to sea.”
