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Modeling microplastic transport in open channel flows and ingestion dynamics by benthos
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Scientists used computer models to study how tiny plastic particles (microplastics) get eaten by bottom-dwelling sea creatures like clams and worms. They found that areas with more of these creatures had dramatically higher rates of microplastic consumption - up to 22 times more plastic was eaten when there were 8 times more animals present. This matters for human health because these contaminated sea creatures often end up in our food chain, potentially bringing microplastics to our dinner plates.
Understanding the dynamics of unintentional microplastic (MP) ingestion by benthos in aquatic environments is crucial for assessing the ecological impacts of MPs. Yet, this process remains poorly understood. To address this, we developed a high-fidelity, two-way coupled numerical model that integrates large-eddy simulation and Lagrangian point-particle tracking techniques. Three key parameters are examined: benthos predation types (filter-feeders, grazers, and burrowers), MP density, and benthos density, with benthos density emerging as the dominant factor. Specifically, an eightfold increase in benthos density results in a 5- to 22-fold rise in ingested MPs. Benthos types influence the final ingestion proportion (defined as the ratio of ingested to released MPs), with grazers showing the highest ingestion efficiency, followed closely by filter feeders—both approximately doubling the ingestion rate observed in burrowers at equivalent benthos density. MP density has minimal inf luence on ingestion across all benthic groups and densities, except under high-density filter-feeder conditions. Two distinct MP transport models during ingestion are identified: (i) a suspension mode observed in filter-feeders and (ii) a sliding mode prevalent in grazers and burrowers. The Rouse number (P) effectively differentiates these models, with the suspension mode dominating when P < 2.5 and the sliding mode dominating when P > 2.5. The Rouse number and spanwise turbulence intensity govern the number of MPs ingested by each benthic individual, while the cumulative predation width of all benthos accounts for the impact of benthos density and types. Consequently, the product of these two parameters serves as a robust predictor for the final MP ingestion proportion, where a strong linear relationship is observed across all simulations.
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Modeling microplastic transport in open channel flows and ingestion dynamics by benthos
AI summary Read the abstract
Using large-eddy simulation and Lagrangian particle tracking, researchers modeled how benthos (filter-feeders, grazers, burrowers) ingest microplastics from open channel flows. Benthos density was the dominant factor—an eightfold increase caused a 5-22-fold rise in ingested MPs—and feeding type significantly influenced the final proportion of available MPs that were ingested.
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Researchers reviewed mathematical models used to predict whether swallowing microplastics causes aquatic animals to absorb more toxic chemicals, finding that the effect depends on whether contaminants are more concentrated in the plastic or in the animal's tissues. In real-world conditions where animals are already exposed to contaminants, microplastics may actually pull chemicals out of tissues as often as they add them, complicating the assumption that microplastic ingestion always increases contamination.
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Scientists found that microplastics disrupt tiny burrowing sea creatures' ability to churn and clean ocean-floor sediment, shrinking their "cleanup zones" by up to 65%. Since these creatures help recycle nutrients and keep coastal ecosystems healthy, this disruption could ripple outward—affecting water quality and the seafood systems humans rely on. While this study focuses on ecosystem health rather than direct human health effects, it's a reminder that plastic pollution can quietly undermine the natural processes that keep our oceans (and the food we get from them) functioning properly.
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