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20 resultsShowing papers similar to Model studies on transport of microplastics from a leak accident
ClearObservational and model studies on transport and inventory of microplastics from a leak accident on the beaches of Yantai
Researchers investigated a microplastic spill event in Yantai, China, using sediment sampling and Lagrangian particle tracking models to estimate the total amount released and predict dispersal patterns. The spill deposited an estimated 514 kilograms of polyethylene pellets across 7 beaches. The study demonstrates how transport modeling can support environmental assessment and cleanup planning after accidental plastic releases.
Oil spills enhanced dispersion and transport of microplastics in sea water and sand at coastal beachheads
Researchers collected sea water and sand from three Chinese coastal beachheads (Bohai Sea, East Sea, South Sea) to investigate how oil spills affect the dispersion and transport of microplastics. They found that oil spills greatly enhanced microplastic dispersion in all three sea water environments and altered their transport dynamics in coastal sand, compounding the environmental threat of combined pollution events.
Numerical simulation research of the transportation and distribution characteristics on sea surface of the microplastic released continuously for 12 years from China's coastal cities
Using ocean current modeling, this study simulated where microplastics released from Chinese coastal cities over 12 years actually end up. The majority (80%) wash back ashore or remain in nearby marginal seas, about 18% are carried into the Pacific via the Kuroshio Current, and a small fraction reaches Southeast Asia. The results show that proximity to source matters enormously for coastal microplastic accumulation and that China's coastal emissions create a regional, rather than purely global, pollution signature.
A particle tracking model approach to determine the dispersal of riverine plastic debris released into the Indian Ocean
Researchers developed a particle tracking model to simulate the dispersal of riverine plastic debris released into the Indian Ocean from surrounding landmasses. The study found that plastic accumulation on beaches peaked during monsoon seasons, with ocean currents, wind, and wave action driving distinct transport patterns, providing valuable data for identifying high-risk coastal areas and informing cleanup strategies.
Simulation of seasonal transport of microplastics and influencing factors in the China Seas based on the ROMS model
Researchers used ocean circulation modeling to simulate how microplastics are transported across the China Seas during different seasons. The study found that microplastic pathways and distributions vary markedly with seasonal circulation patterns, with the longest transport distances occurring in summer when particles from the Pearl River could travel over 1,375 kilometers, while in autumn and winter more than three-quarters of microplastics beached along the south-central Chinese coast.
Are vehicle tires major contributors to microplastic emissions into the China seas? A simple model perspective
Researchers developed a model to estimate annual microplastic emissions from vehicle tires into China's marine environment. The study suggests that tire wear particles represent a substantial but often overlooked source of marine microplastics, with transport and fate varying significantly based on physical and chemical properties of the particles.
Microplastic Contamination on the Beaches of South China
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination across 14 beaches along the South China coast, finding microplastics ubiquitously present in sandy sediments, predominantly as small fragments under 1 mm, with distribution patterns linked to coastal urbanization and ocean current dynamics.
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.
Review on the distribution of microplastics in the oceans and its impacts: Need for modeling-based approach to investigate the transport and risk of microplastic pollution
This review synthesizes evidence on microplastic distribution across global oceans and argues that modeling-based approaches are urgently needed to better understand transport pathways and assess pollution risks at scale.
Potential Micro-Plastics Dispersal and Accumulation in the North Sea, With Application to the MSC Zoe Incident
Ocean particle tracking models were used to simulate the dispersal of microplastics following the MSC Zoe container ship accident, which spilled thousands of containers off the Netherlands in 2019. The study provides insights into how major plastic spills spread through marine environments and where particles accumulate.
Spatial Distribution and Quantification of Microplastic Contamination in Sediments of Kaliratu Coastal Waters, Kebumen, Indonesia
Researchers found microplastics in sediments along Kaliratu Beach in Indonesia at concentrations of 25–57.5 particles/kg, with fibres, fragments, films, and pellets all present, and used hydrodynamic modelling to trace how seasonal monsoon currents distribute them along the coastline. The findings highlight that even relatively remote Indonesian coastal areas near shrimp ponds and other anthropogenic activity are accumulating measurable plastic pollution.
Simulation of microplastic transport and dispersion based on a three-dimensional hydrodynamic particle-tracking model in the Beibu Gulf
Researchers developed a three-dimensional hydrodynamic particle-tracking model of microplastic transport in the semi-enclosed Beibu Gulf, finding that monsoon-driven circulation controls dispersal patterns, with microplastics dispersing up to 205 km in spring and storm surges such as Typhoon Yagi significantly intensifying transport and expanding nearshore high-concentration zones.
Occurrence and distribution of microplastics at selected coastal sites along the southeastern United States
Researchers quantified microplastics in beach sand at 18 U.S. National Park beaches in the Southeast and built a model to predict how ocean currents transport plastic debris. The study provides a baseline for plastic contamination even in protected coastal areas and highlights how distant pollution sources can affect remote beaches.
Study on the Migration and Distribution Characteristics of Microplastics in the Pearl River Estuary under Changing Environmental Conditions
Researchers investigated the migration and spatial distribution of microplastics in the Pearl River Estuary under changing environmental conditions, modeling the dynamic transport of the estimated 66 tons of microplastics discharged annually from this estuary into the South China Sea.
Distribution of microplastics on sandy beaches in western and southern Japan and their fate in the oceans
This study investigated microplastic contamination on sandy beaches across western and southern Japan and modeled the fate of those particles in surrounding ocean currents. Microplastics were widespread on Japanese beaches, with ocean circulation patterns determining transport pathways toward open ocean accumulation zones.
Destination of floating plastic debris released from ten major rivers around the Korean Peninsula
Researchers used a Lagrangian particle tracking model to simulate the transport and coastal accumulation of plastic debris released from ten major Chinese and Korean rivers around the Korean Peninsula, finding that debris generally strands near the originating river mouth and that model predictions were consistent with observational data.
Microplastics Pollution and Their Potential Impact in Marine Systems: A Case Study in Shandong Peninsula, China
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in marine environments around China's Shandong Peninsula, documenting contamination levels and potential impacts on the region's important fishing, aquaculture, and tourism industries.
Cross-Shore Microplastic Accumulation on Sri Lanka’s West Coast One Year After the Catastrophic X-Press Pearl Pollution Event
Researchers conducted a detailed survey of microplastic pellet contamination along Sri Lanka's west coast one year after the catastrophic X-Press Pearl container ship disaster, which released an estimated 50 billion plastic pellets. They found that pellets were still widely present in beach sediments, with some locations showing very high densities. The study demonstrates that a single marine pollution event can result in persistent, long-term microplastic contamination of coastal environments.
Modeling the spatiotemporal distribution, bioaccumulation, and ecological risk assessment of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems: A review
Researchers modeled the spatiotemporal distribution and ecological risk of microplastics across a coastal marine environment, incorporating hydrodynamic data and bioaccumulation factors for multiple species. The model predicted highest microplastic concentrations near urban outflows with risk extending through the food web.
Impacts of wind forcing on microplastics kinematic in a sensitive water area
Researchers modeled how wind forcing affects the movement and distribution of microplastics in a sensitive coastal water area, finding that wind-driven surface currents are a dominant control on where microplastics accumulate. The model predicts substantial wind-driven concentration at specific coastal zones.