We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Accumulation and Dispersion of Microplastics near A Submerged Structure: Basic Study Using A Numerical Wave Tank
AI summary Read the abstract
Laboratory flume experiments investigated how microplastics accumulate and disperse around a submerged structure, finding that hydrodynamic conditions around the structure created localized hotspots of microplastic deposition. The findings contribute to understanding how underwater infrastructure influences microplastic distribution in marine environments.
The presence of microplastics has been reported in most marine environments. Their accumulation can affect the marine ecosystem, and their consumption by small organisms of various sizes can indirectly affect human beings who consume them. Recent observations have reported the pathways and fates of microplastics surrounding man-made coastal structures, such as artificial reefs. However, basic research elucidating the physical behavior near the structure is scarce. We implemented a two-dimensional numerical wave flume simulating intermediate waves with a weak current in a coastal area to investigate the behaviors of microplastics corresponding to parameters such as particle size (0.2, 1, and 5 mm), particle density (900, 1000, and 1100 kg/m3), and submerged artificial structure. The results showed that smaller particles had a stronger horizontal dispersion but a weaker horizontal advection. Installing a submerged structure increased the flow rate above the structure. It also increased particle accumulation upstream and downstream near the edge and corner of the structure. The accumulation was significantly affected by the installation of the structure when the resuspension of microplastics occurred intermittently. This work elucidates the mechanisms underlying the distribution, accumulation, and dispersion of microplastics that are important in predicting the fate of microplastics in the vicinity of artificial structures.
More Papers Like This
A Simplified Experimental Method to Estimate the Transport of Non-Buoyant Plastic Particles Due to Waves by 2D Image Processing
AI summary Read the abstract
Not a microplastics paper in the strict sense — this study develops and validates an image-processing method to track the movement of non-buoyant plastic debris particles under wave action in a laboratory wave tank, advancing the physical modeling tools used to predict where plastic pollution accumulates in coastal environments.
Experimental Study of Microplastic Particle Transport Around Sea Gravel in Waves Plus Current Conditions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted experimental studies of microplastic particle transport around sea gravel under combined wave and current conditions, extending prior work on non-buoyant particles to characterize how gravel bed roughness and hydrodynamic forces govern microplastic accumulation hotspots.
Numerical Simulation of the Propagation of Microplastics in the Coastal Zone of a Reservoir Due to Wave Motion
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers modeled the movement of microplastic particles in the coastal zone of a reservoir under the influence of waves, finding that wave action significantly affects how plastic particles distribute near the water surface. The modeling results help predict where microplastics accumulate in partially enclosed water bodies, which is important for assessing ecological exposure.
Interaction Between Microplastic Particles and Submerged Vegetation Canopies in Waves Plus Current Environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers experimentally examined how microplastic particles of varying size, shape, and density interact with submerged seagrass-like vegetation canopies under combined wave and current conditions, investigating how canopy structure modifies transport and accumulation patterns.
Laboratory Study of Non-buoyant Microplastic Transport Beneath Breaking Irregular Waves on a Live Sediment Bed
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers conducted wave flume experiments to map where non-buoyant microplastic particles accumulate under breaking waves on a sandy seabed, identifying four distinct hotspots — from offshore bars to beaches — and finding that particle density, shape, and position relative to breaking waves are the key drivers of transport direction.
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.