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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Exploring the vertical transport of microplastics in subsurface environments: Lab-scale experiments and field evidence
ClearVertical transport of microplastic in agricultural soil in controlled irrigation plot experiments
Researchers conducted field plot experiments in agricultural soil and found that microplastics migrate vertically with irrigation water, with smaller particles (53–63 µm) penetrating up to 6 cm deep and larger particles remaining near the surface, indicating that water infiltration is a key driver of subsurface plastic transport.
An insight into laboratory column experiments for microplastic transport in soil
This review synthesizes findings from laboratory column experiments on microplastic transport through soil, examining how particle size, shape, surface chemistry, and soil properties influence how far plastics migrate in the subsurface.
Vertical migration of microplastics in porous media: Multiple controlling factors under wet-dry cycling
Researchers studied how microplastics move vertically through sandy soil during cycles of wetting and drying, testing four common plastic types at various particle sizes. They found that smaller, more hydrophobic particles migrated deeper, and that frequent wet-dry cycles and the presence of dissolved organic matter accelerated downward movement. The findings suggest that microplastics in agricultural soils could potentially reach groundwater, posing risks to underground water quality.
Field Lysimeter Experiments for Tracing Microplastics Transport in the Unsaturated Zone
Scientists built outdoor test columns filled with sand and gravel to study how tiny plastic particles move through soil toward groundwater. They used different shapes of plastic pieces (fibers, fragments, and spheres) to trace how these microplastics travel underground under real-world conditions. This research helps us understand how plastic pollution might contaminate drinking water sources, which is important for protecting human health.
Subsurface transport of microplastic particles in gravel columns: Impacts of different rain events and particle characteristics
Researchers conducted column experiments using pre-stained microplastic particles of two density types in gravel sediment to investigate how different rainfall intensities and land-use scenarios influence the vertical transport and retention of microplastics in subsurface environments. The study found that both particle density and rainfall event characteristics significantly affected microplastic mobility through subsurface sediments, informing models of microplastic fate in soil-water systems.
Size/shape-dependent migration of microplastics in agricultural soil under simulative and natural rainfall
Researchers found that microplastic migration in agricultural soil under rainfall depends on particle size and shape, with smaller particles moving deeper and rainfall intensity significantly influencing vertical transport patterns in soil profiles.
How soil moisture and flow regime drive microplastic transport in the vadose zone: insight from modelling and column experiments
Scientists studied how tiny plastic particles move through soil toward underground water sources that we use for drinking water. They found that plastic particles travel very differently depending on how wet or dry the soil is - sometimes getting trapped, other times moving quickly through the ground. This research helps us better understand how microplastics might contaminate our groundwater supplies, which is important for protecting drinking water quality.
The Effect of Polymer Type and Particle Concentration on Microplastic Transport Mechanisms in Saturated Porous Media
Scientists studied how tiny plastic particles move through soil and groundwater by testing different types of plastics at various concentrations. They found that the amount and type of plastic affects how far these particles travel underground, and that bacteria growing on the plastic surfaces can change how they move through soil. This research helps us better understand how microplastics might contaminate our drinking water sources and food supply.
Preliminary investigation on effects of size, polymer type, and surface behaviour on the vertical mobility of microplastics in a porous media
Laboratory sand column experiments investigated how microplastic size, polymer type, and surface chemistry influence retention and transport behavior in subsurface environments. Results showed that smaller particles and those with surface modifications traveled farther, informing predictions of microplastic migration in soils and groundwater.
Impact of Layering and Heterogeneity on the Transport Dynamics of Microplastics in Soil Columns: Implications for Groundwater Contamination
Researchers studied microplastic transport through layered and heterogeneous soil columns to assess groundwater contamination risk from agricultural microplastic inputs. Layered soils with contrasting textures showed preferential flow that accelerated microplastic transport to deeper horizons compared to homogeneous soils, suggesting heterogeneous agricultural soils may pose a higher groundwater contamination risk than previously modeled.
Behaviour and transport of microplastics under saturated flow conditions in sediments and soils
Researchers investigated the behaviour and transport of microplastics under saturated flow conditions in sediments and soils, examining how particle properties influence movement through porous media. The study aimed to improve understanding of subsurface microplastic fate and transport relevant to both soil and groundwater contamination.
Migration dynamics of PE and PVC microplastics in soil: An experimental column-based investigation on the effects of drip irrigation
Researchers conducted column experiments to track how polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics move through soil under drip irrigation conditions, examining how irrigation practices influence the depth and speed at which these plastic particles migrate. The findings have implications for understanding microplastic contamination of agricultural soils and groundwater.
Behaviour and transport of microplastics under saturated flow conditions in sediments and soils
Researchers investigated the behavior and transport of microplastics under saturated flow conditions in sediments and soils, examining how physical and chemical properties of microplastic particles influence their mobility through porous geological media. The study addressed knowledge gaps in understanding subsurface microplastic transport relevant to groundwater contamination and the fate of microplastics deposited in terrestrial environments.
Understanding microplastic transport and retention in soil: insights from laboratory and field studies
This study combined laboratory column experiments and field observations to characterize how polyethylene, PBAT, and starch-based biodegradable microplastics move through sandy loam and loamy sand soils under different hydrological conditions. Transport distance and retention depth varied significantly by polymer type and soil texture, with rainfall intensity being a key driver of vertical microplastic migration.
Factors Influencing the Vertical Migration of Microplastics up and down the Soil Profile
This review summarizes the factors that cause microplastics to move vertically through soil layers, including the physical properties of both the plastic particles and the soil itself. Researchers found that soil organisms, rainfall, dissolved organic matter, and agricultural practices like tilling and irrigation all contribute to driving microplastics deeper underground. The findings highlight the need to better understand how these particles migrate through soil, as they can eventually reach groundwater.
Microplastic polymer type impacts water infiltration and its own transport in soil
Researchers conducted laboratory soil column experiments to examine how microplastic polymer type affects both water infiltration rates and the transport of the plastic particles themselves through soil, testing the two most commonly used agricultural microplastic types under controlled hydrological conditions. The study found that polymer type significantly influenced both water flow dynamics and microplastic mobility in soil, with important implications for predicting plastic fate in agricultural and natural terrestrial ecosystems.
Studying the transport and retention of naturally occurring microplastics (MPs) in sandy soils using column experiments
Scientists used laboratory experiments to study how microplastics move through sandy soils, which is relevant for understanding whether they can reach groundwater used for drinking. The findings help assess the risk of microplastic contamination in underground water supplies.
Research on the Migration and Transformation Behavior of Microplastics in Groundwater Systems and Their Ecological Health Risks
Using column experiments, field monitoring, and adsorption studies, this research found that polyethylene microplastics smaller than 50 μm can penetrate clay barriers and migrate deep into groundwater systems, with particle size and aquifer porosity being the primary factors governing underground transport.
Indirect Effects of Microplastic-Contaminated Soils on Adjacent Soil Layers: Vertical Changes in Soil Physical Structure and Water Flow
Laboratory experiments showed that microplastic contamination in upper soil layers indirectly altered the physical structure and water flow of adjacent uncontaminated lower soil layers, suggesting that microplastics can affect soil hydrology beyond their immediate zone of contamination.
Minimal vertical transport of microplastics in soil over two years with little impact of plastics on soil macropore networks
A two-year field experiment found that microplastics placed on the soil surface moved very little downward, with only about 1% reaching below 8 cm depth, and had minimal effect on soil structure. While this suggests microplastics do not quickly contaminate deeper soil layers, they do persist near the surface where they can still be taken up by shallow-rooted crops.