Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

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.

2019 Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT)
Article Tier 2

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.

2022 Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 11 citations
Article Tier 2

Marine Litter on the Coast of the Algarve: Main Sources and Distribution Using a Modeling Approach

Scientists used a regional ocean circulation model to estimate sources and distribution of marine litter along the Algarve coast of Portugal, finding that local sources combined with offshore currents drive accumulation on beaches. The modeling approach can help target cleanup and prevention efforts in coastal tourism zones.

2021 Journal of Marine Science and Engineering 18 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2023
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Marine Pollution Bulletin 14 citations
Article Tier 2

Using hydrodynamic models to understand the impacts and risks of plastic pollution

This paper used hydrodynamic computer models to simulate the transport and accumulation of plastic pollution in estuarine and coastal environments. The approach helps predict where marine litter concentrates based on currents and geography, which is useful for targeting cleanup efforts and informing coastal management policies.

2018 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Plastic pellet pathways: Understanding transport patterns to Santa Catarina Island, Southwestern Atlantic Ocean

Researchers modeled the transport trajectories of plastic pellets reaching Santa Catarina Island in southern Brazil from nearby port areas, and investigated their distribution and fate in the southwestern Atlantic. Pellet transport was strongly influenced by ocean circulation patterns, and landing sites on the island reflected source port locations, helping identify priority areas for pellet pollution mitigation.

2024 Marine Pollution Bulletin 8 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2021 Frontiers in Marine Science 86 citations
Article Tier 2

Predicting the Dispersal and Accumulation of Microplastic Pellets Within the Estuarine and Coastal Waters of South-Eastern Brazil Using Integrated Rainfall Data and Lagrangian Particle Tracking Models

This study used particle tracking models combined with rainfall data to predict how plastic pellets and microplastics move and accumulate in estuarine and coastal waters of southeastern Brazil after entering from industrial and river sources. The modeling approach revealed that storm events pulse high concentrations of microplastics into coastal areas, creating temporary hotspots of contamination.

2020 Frontiers in Environmental Science 56 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 SPIRE - Sciences Po Institutional REpository
Article Tier 2

Modeling drift and fate of microplastics in the Baltic Sea

Researchers developed a hydrodynamic model to track the drift and accumulation of microplastics in the Baltic Sea, linking coastal emission sources to offshore accumulation zones and identifying key oceanographic processes that govern the fate of land-derived plastic pollution.

2022 Frontiers in Marine Science 25 citations
Review Tier 2

Numerical Modelling Techniques for Marine Debris : A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic review surveys numerical modeling approaches used to track the fate and transport of marine plastic debris, covering particle tracking models, hydrodynamic simulations, and bibliometric trends. Understanding how plastic moves through ocean systems is critical for identifying pollution hotspots and designing effective cleanup or prevention strategies.

2023 International Journal of Quantitative Research and Modeling
Article Tier 2

A Methodology for the Estimation of Microplastic Concentration in Relation to the Meteorological Forcing and WWTPs Effluents in Urban Coastal Areas

Researchers developed a hydrodynamic modeling approach to estimate how microplastics from wastewater treatment plant effluents are distributed along an urban coastline in Greece, accounting for tides and weather. The methodology offers a way to predict microplastic hotspots in coastal waters and could inform better management of treatment plant discharges.

2020 Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review 1 citations
Article Tier 2

The Plastic Pathfinder: A Macroplastic Transport and Fate Model for Terrestrial Environments

Researchers introduced the Plastic Pathfinder, a computer model that simulates how plastic waste moves across land through wind, rain, and river systems before reaching the ocean. The model helps identify key transport pathways and accumulation hotspots, which is critical information for targeting plastic pollution interventions.

2021 7 citations
Article Tier 2

Spatial distribution of microplastics in the Gulf of Cadiz as a function of their density: A Lagrangian modelling approach

Researchers coupled a Lagrangian transport model to a high-resolution hydrodynamic model to analyze microplastic distribution in the Gulf of Cadiz, finding that low-density plastics accumulate near estuary sources while high-density particles sink rapidly, with the Guadalquivir and Guadiana estuaries as the dominant input pathways.

2024 The Science of The Total Environment 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Macroplastic fate and transport in an Amazonian Estuarine System: A Lagrangian Modelling Approach

Scientists used computer models to track how large plastic waste travels from the city of Belém, Brazil through rivers and waterways to the ocean. They found that plastic pollution gets stuck in certain areas during low water periods but moves quickly to the ocean during high water periods, creating pollution hotspots near the city. This research helps identify where plastic waste accumulates so communities can better target cleanup efforts and prevent this pollution from reaching the ocean and potentially entering our food chain.

2026
Article Tier 2

Numerical Study of Microplastic Dispersal in Simulated Coastal Waters Using CFD Approach

Researchers used CFD numerical simulations to model microplastic dispersal in simulated coastal waters, investigating how particle type, size, shape, flow velocity, and temperature affect the transport and distribution patterns of PET, PU, and polypropylene microplastics.

2021 Water 25 citations
Article Tier 2

Validation of a Lagrangian model for large-scale macroplastic tracer transport using mussel-peg in NW Spain (Ría de Arousa)

Researchers validated a Lagrangian computational model for tracking macroplastic transport in coastal waters by comparing simulated accumulation patterns of mussel-pegs with beach monitoring data in northwestern Spain's Ria de Arousa.

2022 The Science of The Total Environment 30 citations
Article Tier 2

Trajectory of microplastic particles with 2-dimensional hydrodynamic modelling approach at Pekalongan waters, Central Java, Indonesia

Researchers used two-dimensional hydrodynamic modeling to track how microplastic particles move through the waters near Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesia. They found that tidal currents and seasonal monsoon patterns significantly influence microplastic transport and accumulation near fishing grounds. The study provides a tool for predicting microplastic hotspots that could help guide marine debris management in the region.

2024 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 6 citations
Article Tier 2

Transport and accumulation of floating marine litter in the Black Sea: insights from numerical modeling

Researchers used numerical modeling to simulate how floating marine litter disperses and accumulates in the Black Sea, a semi-enclosed basin with slow water turnover. They found that major European rivers are significant sources of litter input, and that wind-driven wave action plays an important role in where debris concentrates. The study provides insights into predicting marine litter accumulation patterns that could help target cleanup and prevention efforts.

2023 Frontiers in Marine Science 29 citations
Article Tier 2

Mersin Körfezinde Mikroplastik Taşınımının Sayısal Modellemesi

Researchers used numerical modeling to simulate the transport of microplastics in the coastal waters of Mersin Bay in the eastern Mediterranean. The models revealed how irregular bathymetry, winds, and water currents influence where microplastics accumulate in this region, which is important for predicting pollution hotspots.

2023 OpenMETU (Middle East Technical University)
Article Tier 2

Impacts of changing ocean circulation on the distribution of marine microplastic litter

Researchers modelled the impact of changing ocean circulation on the distribution of marine microplastics, examining how projected shifts in current patterns may alter the accumulation zones and transport pathways of plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm.

2017 Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management 112 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 The Science of The Total Environment 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Modeling transport of microplastics in enclosed coastal waters: A case study in the Fethiye Inner Bay

A numerical model was used to simulate how microplastic particles move through the Fethiye Inner Bay in Turkey, identifying coastal areas where plastics are likely to accumulate. Such transport models are essential for predicting where marine protected areas and cleanup efforts will be most effective.

2019 Marine Pollution Bulletin 43 citations