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Flocs as vectors for microplastics in the aquatic environment
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Researchers combined analysis of over 6,000 measurements to show that small microplastics under 162 micrometers (about the width of two human hairs) are predominantly transported through waterways while clumped together in "flocs" — aggregates of particles and organic matter — rather than drifting freely. This insight is critical for predicting where microplastics will end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are an important component of suspended particulate matter in aquatic environments with two main transport modes, that is, as individual entities or in flocs. Despite its importance to MP pollution management, understanding and predicting MP flocculation remains a challenge. In this Article, we combined a meta-analysis of published data (>2,000 measurements) with new experimental data (>4,000 measurements) to investigate which size fraction of MPs can be incorporated into and transported by flocs in the aquatic environment. The size relationship between MPs and flocs can be used to predict the flocculation of MPs in various aquatic environments, and we have proposed a mathematical model to show that small MPs (<162 µm) are predominantly transported as flocs, regardless of the physicochemical characteristics of the MPs or water body. This provides valuable information to predict the transport modes of MPs, presenting a critical insight for multiple environmental settings and future pollution control strategies.
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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.