A new study has suggest that bio-based fibres, often market as environmentally friendly replacements for plastics, may pose greater ecological threats than previously assume. Conduct by the University of Plymouth and the University of Bath as part of the £2.6 million BIO-PLASTIC-RISK project, the research reveals that these fibres, use in everyday items like clothing and wet wipes, can release microfibres that harm ecosystems, particularly through laundry wastewater, sewage sludge, and wear-induced fibre shedding.
In a detail analysis, scientists compare the impact of conventional polyester with two common bio-based fibres, viscose and lyocell, on earthworms, species vital to soil health. The study show that bio-based materials might be significantly more hazardous.
In lab tests, up to 80% of earthworms expose to viscose fibres died, compared to 30% mortality among those exposed to polyester.
When expose to lyocell, 60% of earthworms did not survive.
At lower, environmentally relevant exposure levels, viscose was link to lower reproduction rates, while lyocell led to reduced growth and altered burrowing behaviours.
Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones, a Lecturer in Marine Pollution at Bangor University and lead author of the study, point out the critical need for more comprehensive testing.
She said that while bio-based and biodegradable fibres are produced in large volumes over 320,000 tonnes in 2022, insufficient data exists on their environmental impacts.
Dr. Courtene-Jones said :
“Our study underscores the importance of evidence-based approaches before rolling out new materials that aim to replace conventional plastics,”.
She also highlight that ecological impacts, especially on soil health, must be factor into evaluations of bio-based products.
This study, which builds on prior research linking biodegradable tea bags to increase earthworm mortality, arrives ahead of key discussions on plastic pollution at the upcoming United Nations conference in Busan, South Korea. Professor Richard Thompson, Head of the University of Plymouth’s International Marine Litter Research Unit, emphasise the need for an evidence-based strategy.
Professor Richard Thompson said :
“Reducing plastic pollution is essential, but this research shows that substitute materials must undergo rigorous environmental testing to avoid unintended consequences.”
