Publications by authors named "Riya Kumbukattu Alex"
Microfiber pollution: Assessment, emission estimation, and time-series-based forecast of microfibers from domestic washing machine laundering and mitigation measures.
Riya Kumbukattu Alex Thasnimol Mukalarkudy Muhammed Madhuraj Palat Kannankai Amal Radhakrishnan Abhinab Borah
Integr Environ Assess Manag
November 2024
Article Synopsis
- Microfibers, which are short thread-like structures, are widespread environmental pollutants stemming from natural and synthetic sources, with textile laundering being a major contributor.
- This study specifically analyzed microfiber pollution from semi-automatic washing machines in India, highlighting the need for research in emerging economies where washing machine usage is rising.
- The findings indicated high microfiber abundance in washing machine effluent, with forecast models predicting a troubling increase in emissions, particularly from cotton and synthetic textiles, estimating 1.90 × 10 microfibers per year by 2030.
Article Synopsis
- * Microplastic fibers were more common in water, while soil and sediment mainly contained fragments; urban features and tidal changes influenced the microplastic data.
- * The research emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to mitigate microplastic pollution and presents foundational information for future studies on its effects on local ecosystems and wildlife.