NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, UNITED KINGDOM — New research from Newcastle University has found that a washing machine's delicate wash cycles release more microplastic fibers in comparison to other wash cycles.<br /><br />The scientists used a tergotometer to simulate a washing machine to test for different washing cycles, different water temperatures and different water volumes using polyester clothing.<br /><br />They used a digital color imaging system called DigiEye camera to accurately measure the amount of microplastics released from the wash.<br /><br />A delicate wash cycle released approximately 1.4 million microplastics, the Irish Times reports, citing the study. This is 800,000 more plastic fibers than a standard wash. <br /><br />In comparison, the washing machine's standard washing cycle released around 600,000 fibers.<br /><br />Lead author of the study Max Kelly, a PhD student at the university's School of Natural and Environmental Science, explained in a Newcastle University news release that even with a slower spin speed, the delicate wash cycle is able to "pluck" away extra fibers from clothing material due to its larger water volume.<br /><br />These microplastics are so tiny that they are able to drain out of the washing machine and enter the oceans to harm the marine environment, according to the news release.
