Capturing Microfibers – Toronto University Study Looks At Coral Ball And Lint Luv-R Technologies That Reduce Microfiber Emissions From Washing Machines

Image Courtesy of Coral Ball

Aquatic organisms throughout the food chain consume microplastics and microfibers both directly and indirectly.

Within the food chain, these particles have been found to cause physical and chemical impacts, resulting in starvation and reproductive consequences in species.

Microplastics and microfibers have also been found in marine species directly consumed by humans, the effects of which are as yet unknown.

They have also been found in abiotic products like sea salt, honey and beer.

An independent test investigating the effectiveness of the Cora Ball out of Dr. Chelsea Rochman’s lab at the University of Toronto showed the Cora Ball catches 26% of each laundry load's microfibers from flowing down the drain.

Microfibers are a common type of microplastic.

One known source of microfibers to the environment is domestic laundering, which can release thousands of fibers into washing machine effluent with every wash.

Here, we adapted existing methods to measure the length, count and weight of microfibers in laundry effluent.

We used this method to test the efficacy of two technologies marketed to reduce microfiber emissions: the Cora Ball and Lint LUV-R filter.

Both technologies significantly reduced the numbers of microfibers from fleece blankets in washing effluent.

The Lint LUV-R captured an average of 87% of microfibers in the wash by count, compared to the Cora Ball which captured 26% by count.

The Lint LUV-R also significantly reduced the total weight and average length of fibers in effluent.

Designed and manufactured in Canada, Lint LUV-R is a durable filter housing containing a reusable stainless steel screen.

Its simple and effective design facilitates quick, easy cleaning.

Lint LUV-R prevents septic system failure by removing lint and untreatable synthetic solids from washing machine discharge.

The filter easily mounts under a cabinet or shelf, or to a wall, next to the washing machine. The washing machine discharge hose adapts to the inlet port of the Lint LUV-R.

 Discharge passes through the filter to the outlet port, leaving behind lint on the outside of the screen.

A hose directs the filtered discharge from the outlet port into the washing machine drainpipe and on to the septic system.

The clear filter bowl and drain hose allow you to see the filter in operation.

While further research is needed to understand other sources of microfiber emissions, these available technologies could be adopted to reduce emissions from laundering textiles.