Researchers report that cigarette filters are an underestimated source of microplastic pollution. The filters are made of cellulose acetate and shed tiny microfibers when they contact water. In laboratory tests a filter released about 24 microfibers within 20 seconds, and over a 10-day experiment it released between 63 and 144 microfibers depending on water movement; each filter contains more than 10,000 microfibers.
The study’s corresponding author is John D. Atkinson, chair in engineering sustainability and associate professor in the University at Buffalo civil, structural, and environmental engineering department. UB PhD student Ghazal Vasseghi is the first author. The team placed butts in still water (0 rpm), moderately moving water (80 rpm), and more intense moving water (200 rpm) to measure releases. The findings appear in the Journal of Hazardous Materials: Plastics.
Using these measurements and conservative assumptions, the researchers estimated that 71 million to 1.4 billion cigarette-butt microfibers are released into New York waters every day, with areas of large population identified as hotspots. They noted ecological and health risks: the fibers are easy for wildlife to ingest, can block digestion, and attract or carry heavy metals, pathogens and other pollutants, including PFAS.
To reduce releases the team suggested practical interventions such as placing receptacles for cigarette butts in strategic locations and adding filters to collect butts in storm sewers.
Difficult words
- cellulose acetate — A material used to make cigarette filters
- microfiber — A very small, thin synthetic or natural fibermicrofibers
- ingest — To take something into the body by eating
- hotspot — An area with a high level of a problemhotspots
- pathogen — A microorganism that can cause disease in organismspathogens
- receptacle — A container for collecting or holding waste itemsreceptacles
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What other practical measures could cities use to reduce microfiber releases from cigarette butts?
- How might hotspots near large population areas affect local ecosystems and water quality?
- What challenges could authorities face when adding filters to storm sewers or placing receptacles?
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