Researchers measured how many tiny fibers cigarette filters release when they touch water. They found one filter can release up to two dozen microfibers almost immediately on contact.
Over ten days a filter may lose more than one hundred fibers, and the amount depends on how the water moves. The team tested filters in still and moving water to see the difference.
Using these results, the researchers estimated a very large number of cigarette-butt microfibers enter New York waters each day. They warned the fibers can harm wildlife and suggested more bins and filters in sewers to reduce pollution.
Difficult words
- microfiber — very small thread of plasticmicrofibers
- filter — part that catches small particlescigarette filters, a filter
- estimate — make a careful guess about numberestimated
- wildlife — animals and plants in nature
- sewer — underground pipe for dirty watersewers
- pollution — dirty or harmful substances in environment
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever seen cigarette butts near a river or beach? What did you notice?
- Do you think more bins would help reduce cigarette pollution? Why or why not?
- What can people do to stop cigarette filters reaching water and sewers?
Related articles
Targeting Glut1 in Neutrophils Reduces Kidney Damage
Researchers using a mouse model of antibody-mediated glomerulonephritis found that neutrophils increase Glut1, a glucose transporter. Disabling Glut1 in neutrophils or using a Glut1 inhibitor reduced inflammation and improved kidney pathology in the model.
New ultrasound method improves diagnosis of breast masses
Researchers developed a new ultrasound signal-processing method that distinguishes fluid cysts from solid breast masses. In initial patient tests doctors identified masses correctly far more often than with conventional ultrasound, which could reduce biopsies and follow-ups.
