Microplastic textile fibers in urban soils of Serbia

Abstract

Microfibers, as a considerable component of microplastic pollution in the environment have received notable attention during past years. Fast fashion and extensive use of synthetic and semi-synthetic outfits, aging, and discharge of used textile items are dominant sources of microfiber generation and ending up in urban soils. Herein, we examined microfibers' presence in the urban soils of Sremska Mitrovica and Bor. A flotation method based on density separation using saturated NaCl solution was utilized to assess microplastics concentration in soils. The abundance of microfibers was 200 and 600 items per kg of soil, respectively. Fiber structure was confirmed by ATR-FTIR analysis. Items isolated from soil from Sremska Mitrovica contained the natural fiber of cotton, while microfibers detected in soil from Bor referred to semi-synthetic polymer, viscose, i.e. rayon. Despite similar chemical structures based on cellulose, differences in IR spectra allowed the distinguishing of these fiber types. This paper provides insight into the current state of environmental pollution by microplastic fibers and suggests potential origin. More indepth research on fiber content in soils, measures of prevention, and subsequent remediation should be carried out to face the challenge of microfibers presence in the ecosystem, their entering the food chain, and their impact on biota.