An Experimental Method to Quantitatively Assess the Transport of Microplastic Particles in Fluvial Systems

Boos, Jan‐Pascal; Dichgans, Franz; Gilfedder, Benjamin-Silas; Frei, Sven

doi:10.3850/iahr-39wc252171192022487

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“…The data sets as well as the developed MATLAB scripts are published in Zenodo (Boos et al., 2023a; 2023b).…”

Section: Data Availability Statementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Behavior of Microplastics in Fluvial Systems: Infiltration and Retention Dynamics in Streambed Sediments

Boos,

Dichgans,

Fleckenstein

et al. 2024

Water Resources Research

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Microplastics (MPs) have been detected ubiquitously in fluvial systems and advective transfer has been proposed as a potential mechanism for the transport of (sub‐) pore‐scale MPs from surface waters into streambed sediments. However, the influence of particle and sediment properties, as well as the hydrodynamic flow regime, on the infiltration behavior and mobility of MPs in streambed sediments remains unclear. In this study, we conducted a series of flume experiments to investigate the effect of particle size (1–10 μm), sediment type (fine and coarse sand), and flow regime (high/low flow) on particle infiltration dynamics in a rippled streambed. Quantification of particles in the flume compartments (surface flow, streambed interface, and in the streambed) was achieved using continuous fluorescence techniques. Results indicated that the maximum infiltration depth into the streambed decreased with increasing particle size (11, 10, and 7 cm for 1, 3, and 10 μm). The highest particle retardation was observed in the fine sediment experiment, where 22% of the particles were still in the streambed at the end of the experiment. Particle residence times were shortest under high flow conditions, suggesting that periods of increased discharge can effectively flush MPs from streambed sediments. This study provides novel insights into the complex dynamics of MP infiltration and retention in streambed sediments and contributes to a better understanding of MPs fate in fluvial ecosystems. Quantitative data from this study can improve existing modeling frameworks for MPs transport and assist in assessing the exposure risk of MPs ingestion by benthic organisms.

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“…The data sets as well as the developed MATLAB scripts are published in Zenodo (Boos et al., 2023a; 2023b).…”

Section: Data Availability Statementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Behavior of Microplastics in Fluvial Systems: Infiltration and Retention Dynamics in Streambed Sediments

Boos,

Dichgans,

Fleckenstein

et al. 2024

Water Resources Research

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

An Experimental Method to Quantitatively Assess the Transport of Microplastic Particles in Fluvial Systems

Cited by 1 publication

References 0 publications

Assessing the Behavior of Microplastics in Fluvial Systems: Infiltration and Retention Dynamics in Streambed Sediments

Assessing the Behavior of Microplastics in Fluvial Systems: Infiltration and Retention Dynamics in Streambed Sediments

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