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Comparing field-based microplastic observations with ocean circulation model outputs in estuarine surface waters along a human population gradient
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Researchers compared field-collected microplastic data with ocean circulation model simulations in Narragansett Bay, the largest estuary in New England. They found higher microplastic concentrations in urbanized northern areas compared to less populated southern regions, with significant temporal variability driven by weather and tides. The study suggests that ocean models can capture broad microplastic movement trends, but fine-scale accuracy remains limited.
Despite the significant ecological and human health risks posed by microplastic (MP) pollution in estuarine environments, documentation of their distribution remains absent in most water quality analyses. This study evaluated the distribution and characteristics of MPs in surface waters of Narragansett Bay, RI, the largest estuary in New England, which exhibits a strong north-to-south human population gradient along its shoreline. We implemented seasonal and tidal surface water sampling across two years coupled with simulations of MP movement using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). We observed higher concentrations of MPs in the urbanized northern regions of Narragansett Bay (mean ± SD, 0.67 ± 0.6 particles m-3) compared to the less populated southern regions (0.21 ± 0.1 particles m-3), but with significant temporal variability influenced by seasonal freshwater inputs, wind, and tides. Similarities between ROMS output and field-collected data were evident when evaluating broad trends in MP movement while fine-scale accuracy was limited. Simulated counts of virtual ROMS MPs were moderately correlated to field-collected data in shorter model durations (Spearman's coefficient, 3 d, ρ = 0.64) with correlation strength decreasing with increasing model duration (7 d, ρ = 0.49; 14 d, ρ = 0.13). This study emphasizes the importance of spatially comprehensive and appropriately replicated sampling to characterize the dynamic nature of MPs in estuaries. Our results suggest that coastal pollution management strategies would benefit from adaptive monitoring programs that account for spatio-temporal fluctuations in MP concentrations and consider the drivers of MP movement unique to each estuary to mitigate inputs.
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Researchers sampled microplastic concentrations in Delaware Bay and used high-resolution numerical modelling to simulate transport of buoyant particles driven by tides, wind, and freshwater inputs, finding average concentrations of 0.19-1.24 pieces/m3 with higher values in the upper bay near the estuarine turbidity maximum. Model results predicted that buoyant microplastic distributions become highly patchy within hours and can vary by a factor of 1000 within a single tidal cycle.
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Researchers mapped the distribution of microplastics in the Delaware River Estuary and used hydrodynamic modeling to understand how water currents transport these particles. They found that microplastic concentrations varied significantly across the estuary, with higher levels near urban and industrial areas. The study demonstrates that river and tidal dynamics play a major role in determining where microplastic pollution accumulates.
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This study compared ocean circulation models to observational data on where floating plastic accumulates in the North Atlantic subtropical gyre. Improving model accuracy is important for predicting plastic concentration zones and designing effective ocean cleanup strategies.
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Researchers developed a hydrodynamic model to investigate how estuarine physical processes in the Gironde estuary influence the transport and distribution of microplastics, examining the role of tidal currents, salinity gradients, and fluvial discharge on particle fate. The modelling study provides insight into the mechanisms controlling microplastic accumulation and export in estuarine environments.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.