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Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Modeling drift and fate of microplastics in the Baltic Sea
ClearModeling 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.
Transport and Behavior of Microplastics Emissions From Urban Sources in the Baltic Sea
Researchers compiled microplastic emission data for urban sources in the Baltic Sea region and modelled transport and deposition of polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET particles using 3D simulations. The study found that combined sewer overflow systems and untreated wastewater are major pathways for microplastics, with particle density strongly influencing transport trajectories and depositional patterns.
Mapping microplastic pathways and accumulation zones in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea – insights from modeling
A hydrodynamic-particle tracking model of the Gulf of Finland found that rivers contribute 76% of microplastic inputs while wastewater treatment plants account for 24%, with most plastics accumulating within the gulf rather than drifting to the broader Baltic Sea.
Model uncertainties of a storm and their influence on microplastics / sediment transport in the Baltic Sea
Researchers used ocean circulation modeling to simulate how microplastics and sediment are transported in the Baltic Sea during storm events, identifying uncertainty in the models as a key challenge. Despite this, the approach helps predict where microplastics accumulate on the seafloor, which is otherwise expensive to measure directly.
Investigating the influence of sub-mesoscale current structures on Baltic Sea connectivity through a Lagrangian analysis
Not relevant to microplastics — this oceanographic study uses Lagrangian particle tracking to model how sub-mesoscale currents affect water connectivity in the Baltic Sea, finding that the basin's long residence time (~790 days) makes it prone to pollutant accumulation, but does not study microplastics directly.
Modeling the Pathways and Accumulation Patterns of Micro- and Macro-Plastics in the Mediterranean
A basin-scale hydrodynamic model tracked plastic debris pathways in the Mediterranean Sea, showing that coastal currents concentrate plastics in the northwestern basin and that both riverine inputs and sea-based sources contribute substantially to the distribution hotspots observed at the surface.
Emission, Transport, and Deposition of visible Plastics in an Estuary and the Baltic Sea—a Monitoring and Modeling Approach
Researchers combined field monitoring and computer modeling to track how large micro- and mesoplastics (1–25 mm) travel from a German city through a river estuary and into the Baltic Sea, finding that estuaries and nearby beaches are major accumulation hotspots. The study shows that visible plastic particles are useful for modeling large-scale transport patterns, but cannot serve as reliable indicators for the far more abundant smaller microplastics below 1 mm.
River inflow of microplastics and their distribution in sea areas on the example of the southern Baltic Sea
This study assessed the transport of microplastics from river inflow to distribution in adjacent sea areas, using the Baltic Sea as a case study. River discharge was found to be a major pathway delivering microplastics to coastal marine environments.
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.
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.
River inflow of microplastics and their distribution in sea areas on the example of the southern Baltic Sea
Researchers tracked the flow of microplastics from rivers into adjacent sea areas in the Baltic region, quantifying concentrations at the river-sea interface. River inflow was confirmed as a major delivery pathway for marine microplastic contamination in enclosed coastal seas.
Influence of estuarine physical processes in the transport of microplastics: a modelling study in the Gironde estuary
Researchers developed a hydrodynamic model to investigate how estuarine physical processes in the Gironde estuary influence the transport and distribution of microplastics, examining the role of tidal currents, salinity gradients, and fluvial discharge on particle fate. The modelling study provides insight into the mechanisms controlling microplastic accumulation and export in estuarine environments.
Trajectory, fate, and magnitude of continental microplastic loads to the inner shelf: A case study of the world's largest coastal shallow lagoon
Researchers modeled the continental-scale transport and eventual fate of microplastics, estimating how particles move from terrestrial sources through river systems to coastal and open ocean environments. The analysis highlights oceans as the ultimate sink for a large fraction of land-derived microplastics.
Microplastics Patch Based on HydrodynamicModeling in The North Indramayu, Java Sea
Hydrodynamic modeling was used to track microplastic transport in the Java Sea off North Indramayu, Indonesia, predicting accumulation zones influenced by tidal currents and seasonal winds. The study provides a modeling framework for understanding microplastic distribution in Indonesian coastal waters, which receive high plastic inputs from land.
A Regional Lagrangian Model for Assessing the Dispersion of Floating Macroplastics from Different Source Types over the Iberian Peninsula in the North Atlantic Ocean
Researchers used a validated Lagrangian model to track floating macroplastics entering the North Atlantic from rivers, land-based sources, and maritime traffic along Spain's Atlantic coast, finding significant plastic concentrations near the coastline and at medium distances over a seven-year simulation period.
Pathways and Hot Spots of Floating and Submerged Microplastics in Atlantic Iberian Marine Waters: A Modelling Approach
Researchers combined a global ocean reanalysis model with a Lagrangian particle-tracking model to simulate the transport pathways and accumulation zones of both floating and submerged microplastics originating from southwestern Iberian coastal waters. The modelling approach identified key hotspots and transport corridors for microplastic pollution in Atlantic Iberian marine waters.
Transport of Microplastics From the Daugava Estuary to the Open Sea
Researchers developed a three-dimensional Eulerian tracer model incorporating wave-induced transport and biofouling to simulate microplastic transport from the Daugava River estuary through the Gulf of Riga to the open Baltic Sea, using multilayer nested grids at up to 0.05 nautical mile resolution and validating results against observational data.
Numerical Modelling of Plastic Debris Transport and Accumulation throughout Portuguese Coast
Researchers applied numerical modelling to simulate the transport and accumulation of plastic debris along the Portuguese coast, assessing how ocean currents drive microplastic dispersal and deposition patterns in this Atlantic coastal region. The study contributes spatial predictions of plastic accumulation hotspots to inform monitoring and management strategies.
Model estimates of microplastic potential contamination pattern of the eastern Gulf of Finland in 2018
This numerical modeling study simulated the transport and distribution of microplastics entering the Gulf of Finland from the Neva, Luga, and Narva rivers, finding that most particles move along the northern coast under typical conditions. The model helps predict where microplastics from urban river sources accumulate in this enclosed semi-inland sea.
On some physical and dynamical properties of microplastic particles in marine environment
This study examined the physical and dynamical properties of microplastic particles in marine environments, using modeling to predict how particle shape, density, and size govern transport, dispersion, and accumulation patterns.
Modeling the pathways of microplastics in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea – sensitivity of parametrizations
Researchers developed an open-source Lagrangian particle tracking model to simulate microplastic transport in the Gulf of Finland, incorporating processes like diffusion, beaching, resuspension, and biofouling. Sensitivity analysis showed that beaching and biofouling were the major factors removing particles from the water column, while stronger diffusion enhanced microplastic export from the gulf. The study provides a foundation for improving microplastic transport simulations in coastal environments.
Microplastics in the Mediterranean: Variability From Observations and Model Analysis
Researchers combined field sampling across four Mediterranean coastal areas with hydrodynamic and particle drift modeling to characterize microplastic abundance, size, and polymer type variability, finding that wastewater and river inputs drive spatial patterns of surface MP distribution.
Trans-polar drift-pathways of riverine European microplastic
Researchers used Lagrangian particle simulations to model the transport of buoyant microplastics from northern European rivers through the trans-polar drift to the high Arctic. The study found widespread dispersal along the Eurasian continental shelf, across the North Pole, and back into the Nordic Seas, with accumulation zones identified over multi-year timescales. The findings reveal how riverine microplastics from Europe can reach remote Arctic regions through ocean current pathways.
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.