CORVALLIS - Microfibres from cotton - as well as synthetic textiles such as polyester - have been found to impact the behaviour and growth of water organisms, according to a new scientific study.
It follows growing concern about microfibres from synthetic textiles which are regarded as one of the major causes of microplastic pollution - but researchers at Oregon State University found similar concerns with 'natural' fibres.
"We're trying to shift the narrative a little bit because so much of the focus has been just on the plastics, but really we need to focus more generally on microfibres of all types," said Susanne Brander, an associate professor and ecotoxicologist at Oregon State University.
