We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Effects of pore water flow rate on microplastics transport in saturated porous media: Spatial distribution analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how water flow rate affects the transport and retention of polystyrene microplastics in saturated porous media using a two-dimensional flow cell. They found that higher flow rates reduced overall particle retention but created more clustered distribution patterns in the pore spaces. The study provides important insights into how microplastics migrate through soil and groundwater systems, which has implications for understanding subsurface contamination.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in subsurface environments poses significant ecological challenges, yet the understanding of their transport and retention behaviors remains limited. This study employs a two-dimensional porous media flow cell to investigate the migration and distribution of polystyrene MPs in saturated porous media under varying flow rates. We reveal that higher flow rates reduce overall retention but increase spatial autocorrelation in MP distribution, driven by particle accumulation in "transition pores" -pores that retain MPs occasionally. Moreover, smaller MP sizes or higher flow rates enhance the homogeneity of the flow field. Notably, inconsistencies between flow and flux fields emerged, particularly at high flow rates, due to the re-migration of retained MPs. By pinpointing specific thresholds for flux and flow velocity, we identify critical conditions governing MP retention within transition pores. Furthermore, we introduce a novel dimensionless parameter, Pe*, to quantify how flux and flow velocity collectively influence MP behavior. These insights expand our understanding of MPs transport and retention behaviors in porous media and contribute to evaluating their environment behavior within subsurface environments.
More Papers Like This
Behaviour and transport of microplastics under saturated flow conditions in sediments and soils
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the behaviour and transport of microplastics under saturated flow conditions in sediments and soils, examining how particle properties influence movement through porous media. The study aimed to improve understanding of subsurface microplastic fate and transport relevant to both soil and groundwater contamination.
Effects of polystyrene fragments on the transport of Pb2+ in saturated porous media: The role of microplastics characteristics and flow velocity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastic fragments affect the movement of lead through saturated porous media like soil and groundwater systems. They found that microplastics generally promoted lead mobility, with the effect increasing as particle size, dosage, and flow velocity increased. The enhanced lead transport was attributed to microplastics reducing the ability of surrounding media to absorb the metal and altering pore structure, raising concerns about co-contamination risks in groundwater.
Transport and retention of polyethylene microplastics in saturated porous media: Effect of physicochemical properties
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how polyethylene microplastics move through water-saturated sand and gravel, testing the effects of particle size, water chemistry, and flow speed. They found that smaller microplastics traveled farther through the porous material, while higher salt concentrations and lower flow rates increased particle retention. The findings help explain how microplastics may spread through groundwater systems under real-world conditions.
Effects of physicochemical factors on transport and retention of polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) in homogeneous and heterogeneous saturated porous media
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how polystyrene microplastics move through different types of underground soil and sand formations. They found that smaller sand grains, higher salt concentrations, and the presence of calcium ions all increased microplastic retention, while mixed soil layers created preferential flow paths that allowed some particles to break through faster. The findings help explain how microplastics could potentially contaminate groundwater aquifers.
Transport of Microplastics Through Porous Media: Influence of Porosity and Pore-Water Velocity
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated microplastic transport through porous media under varying porosity and pore-water velocity conditions relevant to groundwater systems. Higher pore-water velocities increased microplastic transport distance, while lower porosity soils retained more particles near the surface, providing experimental data to improve models predicting microplastic migration toward drinking water aquifers.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.