We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Model estimates of microplastic potential contamination pattern of the eastern Gulf of Finland in 2018
Summary
This numerical modeling study simulated the transport and distribution of microplastics entering the Gulf of Finland from the Neva, Luga, and Narva rivers, finding that most particles move along the northern coast under typical conditions. The model helps predict where microplastics from urban river sources accumulate in this enclosed semi-inland sea.
The work is focused on the assessment of microplastics transport and distribution in the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland by means of numerical modeling. In the present study only the riverine sources of microplastics are taken into account. The presented model also accounts for possible sink of suspended microplastic particles into sediments due to simple parameterization of biogeochemical processes such as biofouling and ingestion by zooplankton. Two basic scenarios with different initial fall velocities of suspended microplastic particles, 0.2 m/day and 1.2 m/day, are discussed. The distribution of microplastics coming with the riverine waters of the Neva, Luga, and Narva rivers has been investigated, based on a numerical hydrodynamical hindcast of the year 2018. Model simulations show that the transport of suspended microplastics occurs along the northern coast of the considered area more intensively compared to the southern coast, especially in the easternmost shallow part of the gulf. The results are in a good agreement with other studies focused on the microplastic pollution of the Neva Bay, and with available observational data. The presented results and developed model can be useful tools aimed to assess the intensity and mechanisms of microplastic pollution of the eastern Gulf of Finland. The results can be used in the selection of areas for future environmental monitoring of microplastics pollution of the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Modeling the transport and accumulation of microplastics in the Gulf of Finland
Researchers used numerical simulations to model how microplastics are transported and accumulate across the Gulf of Finland in the eastern Baltic Sea. The model accounted for diffusion, beaching, resuspension, and biofouling, and found that microplastic accumulation patterns depend strongly on particle buoyancy. The results identify hotspots of microplastic accumulation in this semi-enclosed sea and can inform targeted cleanup efforts.
Mapping microplastic pathways and accumulation zones in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea – insights from modeling
A hydrodynamic-particle tracking model of the Gulf of Finland found that rivers contribute 76% of microplastic inputs while wastewater treatment plants account for 24%, with most plastics accumulating within the gulf rather than drifting to the broader Baltic Sea.
River inflow of microplastics and their distribution in sea areas on the example of the southern Baltic Sea
This study assessed the transport of microplastics from river inflow to distribution in adjacent sea areas, using the Baltic Sea as a case study. River discharge was found to be a major pathway delivering microplastics to coastal marine environments.
River inflow of microplastics and their distribution in sea areas on the example of the southern Baltic Sea
Researchers tracked the flow of microplastics from rivers into adjacent sea areas in the Baltic region, quantifying concentrations at the river-sea interface. River inflow was confirmed as a major delivery pathway for marine microplastic contamination in enclosed coastal seas.
Modeling drift and fate of microplastics in the Baltic Sea
Researchers developed a hydrodynamic model to track the drift and accumulation of microplastics in the Baltic Sea, linking coastal emission sources to offshore accumulation zones and identifying key oceanographic processes that govern the fate of land-derived plastic pollution.