Quantification and Health Assessment of Microfiber Contamination in Selected Textile Processing Units of Punjab, Pakistan

作者：Maham Maqbool, Azhar Ali, Malik Mansoor Ahmad, Maheen Mujeeb, Muhammad Zeeshan Ali · 发表于：Pakistan journal of science · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.57041/91sa3b28

Microfibers (MFs) constitute small pieces of plastics produced as byproducts during the production processes of commercial products and further degradation of bulk polymers. Environmental impacts, as well as the hazard to biodiversity, are both threatened by MF pollution. Microfibers with vast utilization in the textile sector pose severe environmental and worker’s health concerns in many units of Punjab. This study aims to assess the microfiber's exposure and health risk in various textile industries in Punjab. Air and water samples were taken from inside and outside of selected textile industries in the Punjab province. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy was also used for the identification of microfiber polymers. Hazard index was calculated for over health risk of microfiber pollution. The results revealed that the highest concentration of microfibers was detected in Sheikhupura’s textile industries followed by Lahore. Among all the sections of textile industries, knitting section exhibited the highest microfiber detection /concentration. Hazard index values for air exposure in all the sections were below 1, except knitting section. Knitting section exhibited hazard index value of 1.26, indicating a potential health risk. Hazard index for wastewater and drinking water remained below 0, suggesting safe exposure levels. FTIR analyses revealed the type of MFs such as polybutylene terephthalate (3.13%), polypropylene standard (28.13%), polyisobutylene (12.5%), viny...