We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Horizontal transport characteristics of microplastics under simulated hydrodynamic conditions
Summary
Researchers systematically investigated the horizontal transport of microplastics across soil surfaces under simulated hydrodynamic conditions using 1 µm polystyrene particles and quartz sand. The study identified surface runoff scouring as a key pathway by which microplastics are mobilized and distributed laterally through terrestrial environments.
The horizontal transport of microplastics on soil surfaces represents a crucial pathway for their distribution in the environment. This study systematically investigated the horizontal transport characteristics of microplastics under simulated hydrodynamic conditions to understand their behavior during surface runoff scouring. Experiments were conducted using 1 μm polystyrene particles and quartz sand (250-425 μm) to examine the effects of runoff velocity (10, 16, 23 cm/s) and slope gradient (0 %, 3 %, 5 %) on microplastic transport. Results showed that the total microplastic loss ranging from several hundred to a few thousand items in effluent exhibited a positive correlation with flow velocity after 30 min flow erosion, with no significant relationship with slope gradient-possibly due to interference from flow patterns. Under conditions of minimal or no quartz sand loss, high-velocity flow initially caused more pronounced erosion of microplastics, followed by a sharp decline, ultimately resulting in lower loss rates compared to low-velocity flow in the later stages. During extensive quartz sand erosion, microplastic loss remained consistently high throughout the experiment period, with a maximum loss of up to 8500 items per minute. The study revealed that flow primarily eroded microplastics dispersed in the pore water surrounding quartz sand, while also increasing microplastic adherence to sand surfaces. The extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (XDLVO) theory was applied to analyze the retention and release mechanisms of small colloidal microplastics on quartz sand surfaces. This study elucidates the microscale mechanisms underlying small colloidal microplastic release during surface runoff by integrating XDLVO theory and torque analysis with hydrodynamic experiments. The results provide a scientific foundation for predicting small colloidal microplastic mobility and support the development of practical strategies to mitigate soil microplastic pollution in agricultural and urban environments.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Horizontal transport of macro- and microplastics on soil surface by rainfall induced surface runoff as affected by vegetations
Researchers investigated how rainfall-induced surface runoff transports macro- and microplastics across soil surfaces, finding that vegetation cover significantly reduces plastic transport while plastic size, density, and rainfall intensity also influence horizontal movement.
Transport and Fate of Microplastics in Terrestrial Environments: The Role of Surface Runoff, Root-Mediated Infiltration, and Fragmentation-Driven Mobility
Researchers investigated the transport and fate of microplastics in terrestrial environments through three key processes -- surface runoff, root-mediated infiltration, and fragmentation-driven mobility -- applying classical sediment transport principles to microplastic movement. Field studies and laboratory experiments examined how particle characteristics such as density, size, and shape influence microplastic distribution across agricultural and natural landscapes.
Quantifying the movement of microplastics in soil in response to overland flow and splash erosion
Researchers quantified how overland flow and raindrop splash erosion mobilize and transport microplastics from soil surfaces. Both processes moved microplastic particles, with splash being particularly effective at short distances and overland flow dominating transport over larger areas. Understanding these erosion-driven transport processes is important for predicting how microplastics move from agricultural fields into streams and rivers.
Soil erosion as transport pathway of microplastic from agriculture soils to aquatic ecosystems
Researchers simulated heavy rainfall events on agricultural soils containing microplastics and tracked particle transport through runoff and erosion, finding that soil erosion is a significant pathway for moving agricultural microplastics into adjacent water bodies, with particle size and shape governing transport distance.
Horizontal and vertical mobilisation of microplastics in agricultural soils: run-off and infiltration experiments
Researchers measured the horizontal runoff and vertical leaching of microplastics from agricultural mulching films in field plots, quantifying transport under simulated rainfall. Both transport pathways were significant, with particle size and soil properties influencing how far microplastics moved from their source.