2026-01-16 バッファロー大学（UB）
Cellulose acetate fibers, from cigarette filters, shown under a microscope.
＜関連情報＞
- https://www.buffalo.edu/news/releases/2026/01/cigarette-filters-underestimated-source-microplastic-pollution.html
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3051060025000368
攪拌水中のタバコフィルターからのセルロースアセテートマイクロファイバーの剥離 Cellulose acetate microfiber release from cigarette filters in agitated water
Ghazal Vasseghi, John D. Atkinson
Journal of Hazardous Materials: Plastics Available online: 27 December 2025
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazmp.2025.100036
Abstract
Cigarette butts (CBs) are among the most littered items in the world and consist of cellulose acetate (CA) fibers, a synthetic polymer with slow degradation rates. These fibers not only adsorb toxic compounds during smoking but also fragment into CA microfibers (MFs) in aquatic environments. This study quantifies MF release from CBs under three agitation levels (0, 80, and 200 rpm) in controlled 10-day laboratory experiments and extrapolates results to estimate the environmental impacts of MF release from CB littering in New York State (NYS). Upon immersion, CBs show an immediate release of loose fibers, followed by continued but slower shedding over time. Agitation at 200 rpm significantly (p < 0.001) increased MF detachment, resulting in a 1.69 times higher release compared to stagnant conditions. Fiber length showed no significant relationship with time or agitation speed (p > 0.1 for both). Extrapolation of first-day laboratory results conservatively suggests that discarded CBs in NYS could release 7.15E+ 07–1.04E+ 09 MFs per day. Targeted behavioral interventions (e.g., proper disposal campaigns) and structural measures (e.g., improved waste collection, recycling) have the potential to reduce these MF loads. This study provides insights into CBs as a major, yet understudied, source of MF release to aquatic environments.
