0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Sign in to save

Modeling transport of microplastics in enclosed coastal waters: A case study in the Fethiye Inner Bay

Marine Pollution Bulletin 2019 43 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 35 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Aslı Numanoğlu Genç, Nilüfer Vural, Lale Balas

Summary

A numerical model was used to simulate how microplastic particles move through the Fethiye Inner Bay in Turkey, identifying coastal areas where plastics are likely to accumulate. Such transport models are essential for predicting where marine protected areas and cleanup efforts will be most effective.

Polymers

In this study, transport and possible accumulation of microplastic marine litter in enclosed coastal waters are modeled numerically. The model is applied to the Fethiye Inner Bay, located in Fethiye-Göcek Specially Protected Area. In modeling studies, three dimensional coastal hydrodynamics, transport and water quality numerical model HYDROTAM-3D was used. The current climate was prepared by modeling long-term circulation patterns due to wind, wave and density stratifications. Following the hydrodynamic studies, the advection and diffusion of 3 mm size polystyrene particles by the coastal currents in the surface waters of Fethiye Inner Bay were simulated. The coastal regions where the microplastic pollution will be concentrated and transported were determined by the modeling scenarios. It has been found that microplastic accumulation is expected in the southwest and east coastal waters of the Fethiye Inner Bay. The results of the model will contribute to the databases for sustainable protection of the marine environments.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Mersin Körfezinde Mikroplastik Taşınımının Sayısal Modellemesi

Researchers used numerical modeling to simulate the transport of microplastics in the coastal waters of Mersin Bay in the eastern Mediterranean. The models revealed how irregular bathymetry, winds, and water currents influence where microplastics accumulate in this region, which is important for predicting pollution hotspots.

Article Tier 2

Numerical modelling of microplastics transport and accumulation throughout Portuguese coast

Researchers used computer modeling to simulate how microplastics move and accumulate along Portugal's coastline. The modeling approach helps identify areas of highest plastic concentration and informs strategies to reduce microplastic pollution in marine environments.

Article Tier 2

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.

Article Tier 2

Three-dimensional numerical modelling of transport, fate and distribution of microplastics in the northwestern Arabian/Persian Gulf

Three-dimensional numerical modeling was used to simulate transport, fate, and distribution of microplastics in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, a semi-enclosed sea with high plastic pollution concern. The model predicted spatial accumulation zones and identified coastal areas with elevated microplastic concentrations based on oceanographic circulation patterns.

Article Tier 2

Analysis of microplastic flux from the Gediz River to the Aegean Sea: A modeling study for environmental management

This modeling study developed and calibrated a mathematical model to simulate microplastic fate and transport in the Gediz River Basin in Turkey, finding significant contamination even in upstream reaches despite much lower flow rates, and evaluating several management scenarios to reduce microplastic discharge to the Aegean Sea.

Share this paper