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Comment on “Modeling the settling and resuspension of microplastics in rivers: Effect of particle properties and flow conditions”, published by Akdogan and Guven [Water Research 260 (2024) 121900]
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This is a brief technical comment on mathematical errors in a previously published model for microplastic settling in rivers, pointing out a misapplication of mixing length theory and flawed mass conservation equations. While not a standalone study, such methodological corrections matter because models used to predict microplastic transport in rivers need to be accurate to inform pollution assessments and regulatory decisions.
The present comment reveals the misuse of the mixing length theory in the settling velocity and the drawback in the mass conservation equations of microplastics for the compartments of water column, water-sediment interface and sediment.
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