Washing machine filters to mitigate microplastics release: Citizen science study to estimate microfibers capture potential and assess their social acceptability

Abstract

The accumulation of microplastics in the environment, particularly due to the significant contribution of synthetic clothing washing water, leads to a need for developing source-based retention solutions. The project's objective is to assess the capability of washing machine filters to capture microfibers from domestic wastewater under real laundry conditions. This involves developing a protocol for quantifying microfibers tailored to washing machine lint samples, estimating the potential microfiber capture by washing machine filters, and evaluating the social acceptability of using such filters in households. Volunteers were recruited and they used their washing machines normally, collecting lint in the filter over a 6-month period and documenting information for each load. Various reagents were tested using plastic controls and lint samples to select the most efficient one for removing organic matter without affecting microplastics. Microscopic visual alterations, chemical signatures via FTIR, and the efficacy of the digestion protocol were assessed through mass balance and visual counting. After discarding digestion protocols affecting plastic integrity, those ensuring the most efficient mass loss of organic matter were identified as H₂O₂ 30 % for 5 days at room temperature (RT), NaOCl 3 % for 24 h at RT, and H₂O₂ 30 % at 40 °C for 24 h. Polyester, acrylic, and polyamide controls were tested with NaOCl 3 % for 24 h and H₂O₂ 30 % for 5 days, showing no changes in SEM images. The FTIR successfully recognized the chemical signature. More significant alterations on positive samples (cotton and cellulose) were observed after NaOCl exposure. The mean mass of microfibers remaining after digestion was estimated at 4.62 mg per liter of washing water or 61 mg/kg of washed garment. The survey revealed that 67.8 % of volunteer participants found the filter installation challenging, and 21.4 % had to hire a plumber, highlighting potential challenges associated with implementing washing machine filters on a large scale.