Integrated numerical modeling to quantify transport and fate of microplastics in the hyporheic zone

Dichgans, Franz; Boos, Jan‐Pascal; Ahmadi, Pouyan; Frei, Sven; Fleckenstein, Jan H.

doi:10.1016/j.watres.2023.120349

Cited by 10 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 63 publications

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“…This behavior matched the hyporheic flow field as expected from the advective pumping model that is often used to describe bedform induced hyporheic exchange (Elliott, 1991; Grant et al., 2020; Saenger, 2000; Zhou & Mendoza, 1993). The CFD model supported this finding and additionally indicated that particle retardation in the streambed sediment increased with flow path length (Dichgans et al., 2023).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

“…Additional details about the numerical model are given in Text S2 in Supporting Information S1. The methodology is also described and validated in Dichgans et al (2023). By employing the integrated hydro-numerical model, the data set gained through the laboratory equipment can be augmented specifically in regard of the subsurface flow field and the hydrodynamic forcing at the streambed interface, which cannot be captured accurately through a physical recording in the laboratory.…”

Section: Integrated Simulation Of Surface and Porous Media Flowmentioning

confidence: 99%

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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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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Section: Integrated Simulation Of Surface and Porous Media Flowmentioning

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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“…Similar to the results of a sandy streambed experiment and the simulated ADE, the larger particles with 10 μm exhibited delayed infiltration and transport behavior. 32 As the particle size increased from 50 to 100 μm, the amount of MPs migrating into the saturated aquifer decreased from 466 to 440 n (Figure 3C), while v maxp of MPs here also experienced a slight reduction, declining from 1.522 × 10 −5 to 1.521 × 10 −5 m/s after 50 days (Table S4). Larger particle sizes clearly resulted in lower migration fluxes under lower v maxp .…”

Section: Size and Density Of Mps Affect Their Migrationmentioning

confidence: 92%

Modeling of Microplastics Migration in Soil and Groundwater: Insights into Dispersion and Particle Property Effects

Wei,

Chen,

Cao

et al. 2024

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Migration of microplastics (MPs) in soil−groundwater systems plays a pivotal role in determining its concentration in aquifers and future threats to the terrestrial environment, including human health. However, existing models employing an advection−dispersion equation are insufficient to incorporate the holistic mechanism of MP migration. Therefore, to bridge the gap associated with MP migration in soil−groundwater systems, a dispersion−drag force coupled model incorporating a drag force on MPs along with dispersion is developed and validated through existing laboratory and field-scale experiments. The inclusion of the MP dispersion notably increased the global maximum particle velocity (v maxp ) of MPs, resulting in a higher concentration of MPs in the aquifer, which is also established by sensitivity analysis of MP dispersion. Additionally, increasing irrigation flux and irrigation areas significantly accelerates MP migration downward from soil to deep saturated aquifers. Intriguingly, v maxp of MPs exhibited a nonlinear relationship with MPs' sizes smaller than 20 μm reaching the highest value (=1.64 × 10 −5 m/s) at a particle size of 8 μm, while a decreasing trend was identified for particle sizes ranging from 20 to 100 μm because of the hindered effect by porous media and the weaker effect of the drag force. Moreover, distinct behaviors were observed among different plastic types, with poly(vinyl chloride), characterized by the highest density, displaying the lowest v maxp and minimal flux entering groundwater. Furthermore, the presence of a heterogeneous structure with lower hydraulic conductivity facilitated MP dispersion and promoted their migration in saturated aquifers. The findings shed light on effective strategies to mitigate the impact of MPs in aquifers, contributing valuable insights to the broader scientific fraternity.

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“…The VOF method, a surface-tracking technique that relies on the fluid volume fraction in each computational cell and incorporates open channel boundary conditions, was used to simulate water-air interactions in wave flumes [35] and two-phase flows [46]. The densities of water and air were set at 998.2 kg/m 3 and 1.225 kg/m 3 , respectively, in this work.…”

Section: Simulation Settingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The CFD has been used to evaluate the effects of physical parameters of microplastics, such as shape, density, and size, on their settling velocity [33], and the turbulence generated by waves considerably affects this velocity [34]. The behavior of microplastics within fluvial systems was also investigated using CFD to understand their infiltration and transport dynamics in the hyporheic zone [35]. Although there have been advancements in predicting transport and settling velocity in various marine environments, an extensive analysis that encompasses the effects of different breaker types on microplastic dispersion and accumulation across varying beach slopes has yet to be fully explored.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

CFD Analysis of Microplastic Transport over the Slopes

Quyen,

Park,

Lee

et al. 2024

JMSE

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Microplastics, ubiquitous in our environment, are significantly impacted by the hydrodynamic conditions around them. This study utilizes CFD to explore how various breaker types influence the dispersion and accumulation of microplastics in nearshore areas. A special focus is given to the impact of wave dynamics and particle size, particularly on buoyant microplastics in spilling breakers. It was discovered that spilling breakers, common on gently sloping seabeds, encourage broad dispersion of microplastics, notably for smaller-sized particles. Plunging breakers exhibit a similar pattern but with less dispersion and an initial forward movement of neutral and heavy particles. Surging breakers feature minimal dispersion and a distinct oscillatory motion. It has been observed that medium-sized particles with a 1 mm diameter in this work exhibit the most substantial forward movement, likely due to an optimal balance between inertia and viscosity, enabling an effective response to wave momentum. Larger particles, influenced mainly by inertia, tend to show less dispersion and advection. Meanwhile, smaller particles, more affected by viscosity, demonstrate greater dispersion, interacting extensively with wave-induced turbulence. This study reveals the significance of inertia in the behavior of microplastics over slopes, emphasizing the importance of considering inertial effects for precise modeling of microplastic movement in nearshore areas.

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Integrated numerical modeling to quantify transport and fate of microplastics in the hyporheic zone

Cited by 10 publications

References 63 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

Modeling of Microplastics Migration in Soil and Groundwater: Insights into Dispersion and Particle Property Effects

CFD Analysis of Microplastic Transport over the Slopes

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