URIs_MOMENTUM_Research_and_Innovation_Magazine_Spring_2021_M

RESEARCH THRUST AREA:

MICROFIBERS AND TEXTILE INDUSTRY

More than 100 million tons of textile fibers are produced each year. The wear and laundering of textile items result in the continual shedding of microfibers into the environment. Unlike other plastics waste, these are released in micro form and are not obviously visible or retrievable. Other micro- and nanoplastics originate from diverse sources such as industrial plastic pellets, microbeads found in hygiene and personal care products, and plastic particles worn or shredded from larger products like shopping bags and coffee cups.

Page 18 | The University of Rhode Island { MOMENTUM: RESEARCH & INNOVATION }

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