A critical review on environmental pollution caused by the textile industry

Environmental pollution is one of the most critical challenges facing modern society, and the textile industry is a significant contributor to this problem. As global demand for textiles rises, so does the environmental toll of textile production. This study explores the various ways in which the textile industry contributes to pollution and endangers both ecosystems and human health. A major source of pollution is the industry’s high energy consumption, often fueled by coal, oil, and natural gas. The burning of these fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases and other harmful emissions, contributing to air pollution, climate change, acid rain, and ozone depletion. Another major issue is the use of toxic chemicals and dyes in textile processing. Improperly treated wastewater from dyeing and finishing processes is frequently discharged into rivers, contaminating water sources, harming aquatic life, and threatening human health. Synthetic fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic also pose serious environmental risks. These non-biodegradable materials release microplastics during washing, which enter water systems, harm marine animals, and may even enter the human food chain. In addition, the industry generates significant solid waste, much of which ends up in landfills and releases toxic substances as it degrades. Human health is also directly impacted, particularly for those living near or working in textile facilities, who may suffer from respiratory diseases, skin disorders, and even life-threatening illnesses due to prolonged exposure to pollutants. In conclusion, addressing textile pollution requires stricter environmental regulations, sustainable production practices, better waste management, and increased awareness. Without urgent action, the negative impacts will continue to escalate.
- Dadi D, Stellmacher T, Senbeta F, Van Passel S, Azadi H. Environmental and health impacts of effluents from textile industries in Ethiopia: The case of Gelan and Dukem, Oromia Regional State. Environ Monit Assess. 2017;189(1):11. doi: 10.1007/s10661-016-5694-4
- Shirvanimoghaddam K, Motamed B, Ramakrishna S, Naebe M. Death by waste: Fashion and textile circular economy case. Sci Total Environ. 2020;718:137317. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137317
- Islam T, Repon MR, Islam T, Sarwar Z, Rahman MM. Impact of textile dyes on health and ecosystem: A review of structure, causes, and potential solutions. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022;30(4):9207-9242. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-24398-3
- Hussain Z, Luo G. Remediation of textile bleaching effluent by bacterial augmented horizontal flow and vertical flow constructed wetlands: A comparison at pilot scale. Sci Total Environ. 2019;685;370-379. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.414
- San V, Spoann V, Schmidt J. Industrial pollution load assessment in Phnom Penh, Cambodia using an industrial pollution projection system. Sci Total Environ. 2018;615:990-999. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.10.006
- Wang J, Ma Z, Sun J. Distance makes a difference: The role of water pollution regulation on firms’ innovation in China. J Clean Prod. 2024;446:141485. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141485
- Bener S, Atalay S, Ersöz G. The hybrid process with eco-friendly materials for the treatment of the real textile industry wastewater. Ecol Eng. 2020;148:105789. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2020.105789
- Kurniawan SB, Said NSM, Imron MF, Abdullah SRS. Microplastic pollution in the environment: Insights into emerging sources and potential threats. Environ Technol Innov. 2021;23:101790. doi: 10.1016/j.eti.2021.101790
- Gong H, Li R, Li F, et al. Microplastic pollution in water environment of typical nature reserves and scenery districts in southern China. Sci Total Environ. 2023;903:166628. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166628
- Beattie M, Menconi G, Liu H, Townsend P, Aitken M. Corporate social responsibility and hotel textile waste. In: Reference Module in Social Sciences. Netherlands: Elsevier; 2024. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-443-13701-3.00250-4
- Ulson de Souza AA, Melo AR, Pessoa FLP, Guelli Ulson de Souza SMA. The modified water source diagram method applied to reuse of textile industry continuous washing water. Resour Conserv Recycl. 2010;54(12):1405-1411. doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2010.06.001
- Kumar A, Shabnam AA, Khan SA. Accounting on silk for reducing microplastic pollution from textile sector: A viewpoint. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2022; 31(27):38751-38755. doi: 10.1007/s11356-022-23170-x
- Xiao S, Liu T, Hu LX, Yang B, Ying GG. Non-target and target screening and risk assessment of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances in textile wastewater and receiving river. Sci Total Environ. 2024;927:171876. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171876
- Tianzhi W, Weijie W, Hongying H, Khu ST. Effect of coagulation on bio-treatment of textile wastewater: Quantitative evaluation and application. J Clean Prod. 2021;312:127798. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127798
- Vanzetto AB, Beltrami LVR, Zattera AJ. Textile waste as precursors in nanocrystalline cellulose synthesis. Cellulose. 2021;28(11):6967-6981. doi: 10.1007/s10570-021-03982-9
- Partal R, Basturk I, Hocaoglu SM, Baban A, Yilmaz E. Recovery of water and reusable salt solution from reverse osmosis brine in textile industry: A case study. Water Resour Ind. 2022;27:100174. doi: 10.1016/j.wri.2022.100174
- Azanaw A, Birlie B, Teshome B, Jemberie M. Textile effluent treatment methods and eco-friendly resolution of textile wastewater. Case Stud Chem Environ Eng. 2022;6:100230. doi: 10.1016/j.cscee.2022.100230
- Patel DD, Bhatt S. Environmental pollution, toxicity profile, and physico-chemical and biotechnological approaches for treatment of textile wastewater. Biotechnol Genet Eng Rev. 2022;38(1):33-86. doi: 10.1080/02648725.2022.2048434
- Kant R. Textile dyeing industry an environmental hazard. Nat Sci (Irvine). 2012;4(1):22-26. doi: 10.4236/ns.2012.41004