Modeling of microfiber accumulation from laundry with a system approach

In this study, the amount of microfibers accumulated in aquatic systems due to domestic laundry activity in Tekirdağ, Kırklareli and Edirne provinces was investigated by dynamic system modelling method. In this context, the parameters regarding population of the region, prevalence of washing, filtration, wastewater treatment efficiency and microfiber discharge were created and the relationship of these parameters with each other was determined mathematically. As a result, it is estimated that the microfiber accumulation resulting from the laundry activity will reach approximately 500 tonnes by the end of 2035 under the current conditions in the project region. In addition, two different scenarios were produced to examine the effect of these variables on microfiber accumulation in the long term with Monte Carlo Sensitivity Analysis. In the 1st scenario, microfiber accumulation was examined when advanced techniques are used in the treatment efficiency and the filter is required to be fitted to the wastewater drain in the washing machines, while in the 2nd scenario, the effect of practices aimed at preventing fibre shedding during fabric washing with the improvements to be made in fabric technology and reducing the habit of washing laundry in the society contribute to this accumulation was considered. In scenario 1, was seen that the microfiber accumulation varies between 25 and 450 tonnes during the project. This value changes between 30-150 tonnes during the project period in Scenario 2. As a result, it was seen that initiatives to prevent pollution at its source (such as increasing fabric technology) are more effective in reducing particles accumulated in aquatic systems in the long run compared to pollution cleaning-up efforts.