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The combination of detection and simulation for the distribution and sourcing of microplastics in Shing Mun River estuary, Hong Kong
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Researchers combined field sampling with hydrodynamic computer modelling to trace the sources and movement of microplastics in a Hong Kong river estuary, finding polyethylene was the dominant polymer type and that tidal conditions strongly influenced where plastics accumulated in water, sediment, and oysters. The combined detection-simulation approach offers a more complete picture of microplastic sources and transport than sampling alone, which is important for managing contamination in estuaries used for aquaculture.
For the first time, combined detection and simulation was performed on microplastic (MP) debris in surface water, sediment, and oyster samples at ten coastal sites of Shing Mun River estuary, Hong Kong at different tidal conditions. The MP debris were extracted and detected using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and the simulation was conducted using Weather Research & Forecasting Model (WRF) / Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) coupled hydro-dynamic modelling and the subsequent Lagrangian particle tracking. The results demonstrated the majority of polyethylene (with partial chlorine substitution) debris among all the MPs found, and great spatial and tidal variabilities of MP concentrations were observed. The combination of MP observation and simulations referred to the interpretation that a considerable percentage of MPs found in this study originated from South China Sea. Those MPs were probably transported to Tolo Harbour through sea currents and drifted inshore and offshore with tides. This study provided baseline measures of MP concentrations in Shing Mun River estuary and comprehensive understanding for how MPs transport and distribute within a dynamic estuarine system.
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