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Ijaz U, Baki ABM, Wu W, Zhang W. Settling velocity of microplastics in turbulent open-channel flow. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174179. [PMID: 38925387 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The settling behavior of microplastics (MPs) plays a pivotal role in their transport and fate in aquatic environments, but the dominant mechanisms and physics governing the settling of MPs in rivers remain poorly understood. To gain mechanistic insights into the velocity lag of MPs in an open-channel flume under different turbulent flow conditions, an experimental study was conducted using three types of MPs: polystyrene, cellulose acetate, and acrylic, of sphere-shaped particles with diameters ranging from 1 mm to 5 mm. A particle tracking technique was employed to record and analyze the MPs velocity within turbulent flows. The results showed a variation in the vertical settling velocity of MPs ωMP ranging from -26 % to +16 %, when compared to their counterparts in still water (ωs). A new formula for the drag coefficient (Cd) of MP particles was developed by introducing the suspension number (u∗/ωs). The developed Cd formula was used to calculate the resultant velocity lag VMP, with a mean relative error of 16 % compared with the measured values. Further, the study highlighted that the MPs with large Stokes numbers are mainly driven by their own inertia and turbulence has less influence on their settling behavior. This study is crucial for understanding the settling behavior of MPs in turbulent flows and developing their transport and fate models for MPs in riverine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usama Ijaz
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Abul B M Baki
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA.
| | - Weiming Wu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Wenming Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
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2
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Su L, Dong X, Peng J, Cheng H, Craig NJ, Hu B, Li JY. Segmentation of beach plastic fragments' contours based on self-organizing map and multi-shape descriptors: A rapid indication of fragmentation and wearing types. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 478:135564. [PMID: 39173392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Environmental plastic fragments have been verified as byproducts of large plastic and its secondary pollutants including micro and nanoplastics. There are few quantitative studies available, but their contours have values for the weathering mechanisms. We used geometric descriptors, fractal dimensions, and Fourier descriptors to characterize field and artificial polyethylene and polypropylene samples as a means of investigating the contour characteristics. It provides a methodological framework for contour classification. Unsupervised classification was performed using self-organizing neural networks with size-invariance parameters. We revealed the isometric phenomenon of plastic fragments during fragmentation, i.e., that the degree of contour rounding and complexity increase and decrease, respectively, with decreasing fragment size. With an average error rate of 8.9 %, we can distinguish artificial samples from field samples. It was also validated by the difference in Carbonyl Index between groups. We propose a two-stage process for plastic fragmentation and give three types of contour features which were key in the description of fragmented contours, i.e., size, complexity, and rounding. Our work will improve the accuracy of characterizations regarding the weathering and fragmentation processes of certain kinds of plastic fragments. The contour parameters also have the potential to be applied in more realistic scenarios and varied polymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Su
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xinyue Dong
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Junjie Peng
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Hong Cheng
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Nicholas J Craig
- School of Biosciences, the University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bo Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Estuarine and Coastal Research, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Juan-Ying Li
- College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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3
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Wang C, Song J, Nunes LM, Zhao H, Wang P, Liang Z, Arp HPH, Li G, Xing B. Global microplastic fiber pollution from domestic laundry. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 477:135290. [PMID: 39047563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The rapid expansion of fast fashion has significantly increased microplastic fiber (MPF) release during laundry practices, accounting for approximately one-third of primary microplastics entering the ocean. Currently, a significant gap exists in global-scale research on the release of MPFs from washing textiles. This study introduces an innovative empirical model to assess the spatial distribution of MPF emissions. The model estimates an annual global emission of 5.69 million tons of MPFs from laundry. Of this total, machine washing accounts for the majority (93.7 %), with hand washing contributing the remaining 6.3 %. As the primary source of MPF pollution, Asia's emissions reach 3.71 million tons, far exceeding those of North America (1.18 million tons) and Europe (0.45 million tons). The primary issue is that wastewater management efficiency varies significantly worldwide. In Asia, there is persistently high discharge of MPFs into natural waters, and the removal efficiency of wastewater treatment plants is still comparatively low. In contrast, the United States and many European countries exhibit better MPF retention. The global nature of this challenge mandates international collaboration for comprehensive environmental conservation. Our study provides the first high-resolution global distribution map of MPF emissions and discharge into natural waters, establishing a data foundation for global and regional management of microplastics originating from household laundry sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Jing Song
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Luís Miguel Nunes
- CERIS-Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro 8005-199, Portugal
| | - Hongting Zhao
- College of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| | - Zhirong Liang
- Zhongfa Aviation Institute of Beihang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311115, China
| | - Hans Peter H Arp
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI), P.O. Box 3930 Ullevaal Stadion, N-0806 Oslo, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gang Li
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China.
| | - Baoshan Xing
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States
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Zeng Y, Wang H, Liang D, Yuan W, Li S, Xu H, Chen J. Navigating the difference of riverine microplastic movement footprint into the sea: Particle properties influence. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:134888. [PMID: 38897117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
As a critical source of marine microplastics (MPs), estuarine MPs community varied in movement due to particle diversity, while tide and runoff further complicated their transport. In this study, a particle mass gradient that represents MPs in the surface layer of the Yangtze River estuary was established. This was done by calculating the masses of 16 particle types using the particle size probability density function (PDF), with typical shapes and polymers as classifiers. Further, Aschenbrenner shape factor and polymer density were embedded into drag coefficients to categorically trace MP movement footprints. Results revealed that the MPs in North Branch moved northward and the MPs in South Branch moved southeastward in a spiral oscillation until they left the model boundary under Changjiang Diluted Water front and the northward coastal currents. Low-density fibrous MPs are more likely to move into the open ocean and oscillate more than films, with a single PE fiber trajectory that reached a maximum oscillatory width of 16.7 km. Over 95 % of the PVC fiber particles settled in nearshore waters west of 122.5°E. Elucidating the aggregation and retention of different MPs types can provide more accurate environmental baseline reference for more precise MP exposure levels and risk dose of ingestion for marine organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Dongfang Liang
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Weihao Yuan
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Siqiong Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Haosen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Jingwei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
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Mancini M, Colomer J, Solari L, Serra T. Shear induced remobilization of buried synthetic microfibers. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 361:124864. [PMID: 39222767 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Microplastics are known to accumulate in sediment beds of aquatic environments where they can be buried. Once buried they can remobilize due to high energetic events, entering the water column again. Here, turbulence induced by an oscillating grid device was used to investigate the remobilization of microfibers (MF) buried into the sediment bed. Four different types of plastic fibers commonly used for several industrial applications (PET, PP, PA and LDPE) and two types of soils (cohesive and non-cohesive) were investigated. Particles were in depth characterized via 3D reconstruction to estimate important parameters like the Corey shape factor and the settling velocity. Experimental runs explored a wide range of shear stresses. Measurements were taken at different time steps (between 15 min and 240 min from the start of each run). The results have shown that the remobilization of MFs is directly proportional to the value of the shear rate and the duration of the disturbance. Also, buoyant MFs were found more prone to remobilize respect to the denser ones. Drawing from experimental observations of the key parameters affecting MF remobilization, a non-dimensional predictive model was developed. A comparison with previous studies was performed to validate the model in order to predict MF remobilization in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirco Mancini
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence, Via S. Marta 3, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Jordi Colomer
- Department of Physics, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Luca Solari
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence, Via S. Marta 3, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Teresa Serra
- Department of Physics, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
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Beheshtimaal A, Alamdari N, Wang B, Kamali M, Salehi M. Understanding the Dynamics of Microplastics Transport in Urban Stormwater Runoff: Implications for Pollution Control and Management. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 356:124302. [PMID: 38830525 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The transport of microplastics (MPs) from urban environments to water resources via stormwater runoff poses significant concerns due to its adverse impacts on water safety and aquatic ecosystems. This study presents a modeling approach aimed at understanding the transport mechanisms of MPs in an urban residential setting, considering settling and buoyant MPs. To consider the effect of MP shapes, the settling velocity of various settling MPs in shapes of fibers, films, and fragments was calculated. Using an analogy of sediment transport, a Rouse number criterion was used to analyze the transport of MPs. For buoyant MPs, it was assumed that they transport as wash-load as soon as they float in the water and the travel time for them to reach the storm drain was determined. The calculation of settling velocity revealed the influence of shape on the settling velocity of MPs was particularly pronounced as the equivalent diameter of the MPs increased. The transport mechanism for the smallest settling MPs, irrespective of their shapes, density, and depth of flow, was wash-load. However, for larger MPs, the shape and size distribution of settling MPs, along with the depth of flow and slope significantly influenced their transport mechanisms compared to sediment particles. The influence of weathering on the MPs' transport mechanisms depended on their sizes and shapes. The site-specific characteristics, including slope and surface friction, significantly influenced the velocity of stormwater runoff and, consequently, the extent of MP transport during rain events. Moreover, an evaluation of the transport mechanism of settling MPs was conducted using the reported field data on MP abundance in road dust collected from residential and traffic sites. This study underscores the complexity of MP transport dynamics and provides a foundation for developing targeted strategies to mitigate MP pollution in urban environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arghavan Beheshtimaal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Nasrin Alamdari
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee, FL 32310, United States of America
| | - Binbin Wang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Missouri Water Center, Columbia, MO
| | - Meysam Kamali
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Maryam Salehi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Missouri Water Center, Columbia, MO.
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7
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Ji C, Zhang J, Liu G, Zhang Q, Xing E. Towards better predicting the settling velocity of film-shaped microplastics based on experiment and simulation data. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 203:116493. [PMID: 38759468 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The properties of microplastics determine their settling velocities and affect the fates and migration pathways of microplastics. This paper has simulated the settling velocities of film-shaped microplastics, which are present in natural aquatic environments. The numerical results provided more data to fit the terminal settling velocities of film-shaped microplastics. Comparison between the particle definition and the equivalent spherical diameter confirmed that the particle definition is more suitable for film-shaped microplastics. In the transitional flow regime, CD decreases linearly with Re. As Re further increases, CD gradually converges at approximately 1.20. By integrating the experimental and simulated data, a new explicit formula for predicting the settling velocity of film-shaped microplastics has been presented with the optimal shape parameter f. The presented formula achieves better performance (MAPE = 6.6 %, RMSE = 16.8 %, and R2 = 0.99) than the existing formulas for settling velocity for film-shaped microplastics, closely rivaling that of the ensemble learning algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Intelligent Construction and Operation, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Intelligent Construction and Operation, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Key Laboratory of Earthquake Engineering Simulation and Seismic Resilience of China Earthquake Administration, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Guangwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Intelligent Construction and Operation, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Qinghe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Intelligent Construction and Operation, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Enbo Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Intelligent Construction and Operation, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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8
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Dittmar S, Ruhl AS, Altmann K, Jekel M. Settling Velocities of Small Microplastic Fragments and Fibers. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:6359-6369. [PMID: 38512318 PMCID: PMC11008250 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
There is only sparse empirical data on the settling velocity of small, nonbuoyant microplastics thus far, although it is an important parameter governing their vertical transport within aquatic environments. This study reports the settling velocities of 4031 exemplary microplastic particles. Focusing on the environmentally most prevalent particle shapes, irregular microplastic fragments of four different polymer types (9-289 μm) and five discrete length fractions (50-600 μm) of common nylon and polyester fibers are investigated, respectively. All settling experiments are carried out in quiescent water by using a specialized optical imaging setup. The method has been previously validated in order to minimize disruptive factors, e.g., thermal convection or particle interactions, and thus enable the precise measurements of the velocities of individual microplastic particles (0.003-9.094 mm/s). Based on the obtained data, ten existing models for predicting a particle's terminal settling velocity are assessed. It is concluded that models, which were specifically deduced from empirical data on larger microplastics, fail to provide accurate predictions for small microplastics. Instead, a different approach is highlighted as a viable option for computing settling velocities across the microplastics continuum in terms of size, density, and shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Dittmar
- Chair
of Water Quality Control, Technische Universität
Berlin, Sekr. KF4, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
- GEOMAR
Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Wischhofstraße 1−3, 24148 Kiel, Germany
| | - Aki S. Ruhl
- Chair
of Water Quality Control, Technische Universität
Berlin, Sekr. KF4, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
- German
Environment Agency (UBA), Section II 3.3, Schichauweg 58, 12307 Berlin, Germany
| | - Korinna Altmann
- Bundesanstalt
für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Jekel
- Chair
of Water Quality Control, Technische Universität
Berlin, Sekr. KF4, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany
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Huang JN, Xu L, Wen B, Gao JZ, Chen ZZ. Reshaping the plastisphere upon deposition: Promote N 2O production through affecting sediment microbial communities in aquaculture pond. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133290. [PMID: 38134685 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) could provide vector for microorganisms to form biofilm (plastisphere), but the shaping process of MPs biofilm and its effects on the structure and function of sedimentary microbial communities especially in aquaculture environments are not reported. For this, we incubated MPs biofilm in situ in an aquaculture pond and established a sediment microcosm with plastisphere. We found that the formation of MPs biofilm in surface water was basically stable after 30 d incubation, but the biofilm communities were reshaped after deposition for another 30 d, because they were more similar to plastisphere communities incubated directly within sediment but not surface water. Moreover, microbial communities of MPs-contaminated sediment were altered, which was mainly driven by the biofilm communities present on MPs, because they but not sediment communities in proximity to MPs had a more pronounced separation from the control sediment communities. In the presence of MPs, increased sediment nitrification, denitrification and N2O production rates were observed. The K00371 (NO2-⇋NO3-) pathway and elevated abundance of nxrB and narH genes were screened by metagenomic analysis. Based on structural equation model, two key bacteria (Alphaproteobacteria bacterium and Rhodobacteraceae bacterium) associated with N2O production were further identified. Overall, the settling of MPs could reshape the original biofilm and promote N2O production by selectively elevating sedimental microorganisms and functional genes in aquaculture pond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Nan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Bin Wen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Jian-Zhong Gao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zai-Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
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10
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Qian S, Qiao X, Zhang W, Yu Z, Dong S, Feng J. Machine learning-based prediction for settling velocity of microplastics with various shapes. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 249:121001. [PMID: 38113602 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.121001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics can easily enter the aquatic environment and be transported between water bodies. The terminal settling velocity of microplastics, which affects their transport and distribution in the aquatic environment, is mainly influenced by their size, density, and shape. Due to the difficulty in accurately predicting the terminal settling velocity of microplastics with various shapes, this study focuses on establishing high-performance prediction models and understanding the importance and effect of each feature parameter using machine learning. Based on the number of principal dimensions, the shapes of microplastics are classified into fiber, film, and fragment, and their thresholds are identified. The microplastics of different shape categories have different optimal shape parameters for predicting the terminal settling velocity: Corey shape factor, flatness, elongation, and sphericity for the fragment, film, fiber, and mixed-shape MPs, respectively. By including the dimensionless diameter, relative density and optimal shape parameter in the input parameter combination, the machine learning models can well predict the terminal settling velocity for the microplastics of different shape categories and mixed-shape with R2 > 0.867, achieving significantly higher performance than the existing theoretical and regression models. The interpretable analysis of machine learning reveals the highest importance of the microplastic size and its marginal effect when the dimensionless diameter D* = dn(g/v2)1/3 > 80, where dn is the equivalent diameter, g is the gravitational acceleration, and ν is the fluid kinematic viscosity. The effect of shape is weak for small microplastics and becomes significant when D* exceeds 65.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangtuo Qian
- National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210024, China; College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Xuyang Qiao
- National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210024, China; College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Wenming Zhang
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Zijian Yu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Shunan Dong
- College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China
| | - Jiangang Feng
- National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention, Hohai University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210024, China; College of Agricultural Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
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11
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Dai C, Yuan F, Wang D, Yang X, Du J, Yu W, Zhang C. Settling velocity of submillimeter microplastic fibers in still water. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 907:168054. [PMID: 37898197 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Microplastic fibers (MPFs) are one of the most important MP contaminants of aquatic environments. However, little research has been conducted on the movement of submillimeter MPFs in water. Herein, the settling of 519 submillimeter MPFs in still water was measured and the settling velocity was analyzed. Observations of the settling velocity of MPFs with lengths of 300, 500, and 600 μm showed that most MPFs settled individually or in pairs. The sedimentation of a single fiber could be divided into three patterns, that is, horizontal, inclined, and vertical. The average settling velocity increased with an increase in the MPFs length and orientation angle. As the MPFs length increased, the probability of inclined settlement decreased but that of horizontal settlement increased. The horizontal velocity of single fibers also was investigated, and the horizontal and vertical settling of MPFs exhibited minimal horizontal velocity. Because of the considerable difference between the calculated drag coefficients from existing drag coefficient models and experimental values, a drag coefficient model was developed with a deviation of <3 %. Four settling patterns were identified for two fibers, that is, X shaped, inverted-T shaped, cross shaped, and overlapping. The average velocity of the overlapping settlement of two fibers was considerably higher than that of the other three settling patterns. The average settling velocity of 600-μm two fibers was 1.47 times that of single fibers, indicating that their corresponding drag coefficient was ~46 % that of a single fiber.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlong Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Food Manufacturing Equipment & Technology, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Fangyang Yuan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Food Manufacturing Equipment & Technology, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Dongxiang Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Food Manufacturing Equipment & Technology, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Xinjun Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Food Manufacturing Equipment & Technology, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Jiyun Du
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Food Manufacturing Equipment & Technology, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Wei Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Food Manufacturing Equipment & Technology, Wuxi 214122, China; School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
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12
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Zeng Y, Wang H, Liang D, Yuan W, Shen Y, Shen Z, Gu Q. Shape- and polymer-considered simulation to unravel the estuarine microplastics fate. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 461:132679. [PMID: 37793263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Environmental microplastics (MPs) constitute various sizes, polymers, and shape components. In estuaries, such differences are related to the reliability of assessing the seaward fate of MPs, aggregation hotspots, and ecological risks. This study sets the MP particle mass gradient using the shape factor and size probability density function to categorically estimate the MP load in the surface layer of the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE), which is the largest contributor of plastics to the sea. During the high plastic input period in July, the optimized estimated MP load through the surface layer of the YRE was 9766 kg/month, which was overestimated by 821 kg/month based on the empirical average particle mass. While tracking MP transport classified by shape and polymer type, the resuspension of MPs that accumulate in the intertidal zone cannot be neglected. The average relative error of the simulation was as low as 19.6% after including the abovementioned factors. Finally, the simulation results of the sensitive regions were extracted to assess the new MP risk index, which considers shape, abundance, and polymer type. By introducing these essential tools, this study helps to understand the fate of riverine MPs entering estuaries, where valuable opportunities for removing MPs exist before they spread to the oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Dongfang Liang
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Weihao Yuan
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Yuhan Shen
- Dept. of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Zilin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Qihui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
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13
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Rozman U, Klun B, Kuljanin A, Skalar T, Kalčíková G. Insights into the shape-dependent effects of polyethylene microplastics on interactions with organisms, environmental aging, and adsorption properties. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22147. [PMID: 38092860 PMCID: PMC10719240 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The shape-dependent effects of microplastics have been studied in the context of ingestion but have not been considered in other environmental processes. Therefore, we investigated how the shape of polyethylene microplastics (spheres, fragments, and films) affects interactions with plants, aging, and their adsorption properties. The shape had no effect on the growth rate and chlorophyll content of duckweed Lemna minor, but the fragments strongly adhered to the plant biomass and reduced the root length. The adsorption process of the model organic compound (methylene blue dye) was described by the same kinetic model for all shapes-the experimental data best fit the pseudo-second order model. However, twice as much methylene blue was adsorbed on films as on fragments and spheres. During environmental aging, most biofilm developed on films. The biofilm on spheres contained significantly less photosynthetic microorganisms, but twice as much extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) as on fragments and films. This suggests that the attachment of microorganisms to spherical particles is limited and therefore more intensive production of EPS is required for stable biofilm formation. From the results of this study, it is evident that the shape of microplastics significantly affects not only ecotoxicity but also other environmentally relevant processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ula Rozman
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 113 Večna pot, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Klun
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 113 Večna pot, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleksandra Kuljanin
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 113 Večna pot, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Skalar
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 113 Večna pot, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gabriela Kalčíková
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, 113 Večna pot, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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14
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Stead JL, Bond T. The impact of riverine particles on the vertical velocities of large microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165339. [PMID: 37414166 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics interact with other suspended particles in aquatic systems, which may impact their environmental fate. Little is known about aggregation between suspended sediment and larger microplastics (1-5 mm), and how this impacts the vertical velocities of microplastics, although it was hypothesised these are size limited. Consumer items made of five common polymers: polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS), were fragmented by cryomilling and their vertical velocities (rising/settling) measured experimentally before and after 24-hours of aggregation with riverine particles. Microplastic size (microscopy), zeta potential and density (density gradient column) were measured, with aggregation quantified using microscopy. PP had an experimental density of 1052 kg·m-3, and sank in river water, although it is often stated as being buoyant based on literature density values. Aggregation occurred with all five polymers: 39 %-72 % of microplastics were observed to have sediment and/or organic particles adhered, depending on the polymer type. PVC had the least negative zeta potential, -8.0 ± 3.0, and showed a much higher number of adhered sediment particles than all other polymers: on average 4.55 particles, compared with <1.72 particles for other polymers. For four polymers, aggregation did not significantly change vertical velocities. However, PP particles showed a significantly slower settling velocity after aggregation: a decrease of 6.3 % based on mean averages, from 9.7 × 10-3 to 9.1 × 10-3 m·s-1. Theoretical calculations showed the amount of adsorbed sediment or biofilm required to induce a microplastic density change of ∼50 kg·m-3 was much higher than observed experimentally. Overall, this study indicates that the vertical velocities of larger microplastics are less influenced by interactions with natural particles than smaller microplastics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Stead
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Tom Bond
- School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
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15
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Zhang J, Ji C, Liu G, Zhang Q, Xing E. Settling processes of cylindrical microplastics in quiescent water: A fully resolved numerical simulation study. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115438. [PMID: 37659321 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The settling process of marine microplastics (MPs) is crucial research concerning the transport and movement of MPs. The settling processes of MP fibers that possess a cylindrical geometry are affected by environmental factors and properties. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model for the still water settling of MPs with complex shapes was constructed using the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and the immersed boundary method (IBM). The fully resolved settling simulation of cylindrical MPs was achieved, and the model results demonstrated good agreement with the semi-empirical settling velocity formulas. Based on the simulation results, the critical aspect ratio of the cylindrical MP was found to be between 0.93 and 0.94. Near this critical aspect ratio, there is a decline in the drag force. Additionally, it was found that the angular displacement and aspect ratio influence horizontal movement but not the vertical settling velocity, while the density only affects vertical movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Key Laboratory of Earthquake Engineering Simulation and Seismic Resilience of China Earthquake Administration, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chaoqun Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Guangwei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Qinghe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Enbo Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Hydraulic Engineering Simulation and Safety, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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16
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Ono K, Naito W, Ogura I, Xue M, Kato E, Uesaka M, Tsunemi K. Estimation of microplastic emission and transfer into Tokyo Bay, Japan, using material flow analysis. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115440. [PMID: 37657257 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
To reduce microplastic (MP) discharge into the aquatic environment, it is necessary to properly identify its sources and amounts. Here, specific MP sources, i.e., personal care products (PCPs), fibers from clothes, and tire-wear particles (TWPs) were focused, and MP generations from these sources in the Tokyo Bay watershed, Japan, were estimated based on statistical data on production and reported emission factors of the MP sources and executing considering uncertainty on the data. Potential annual MP emission into Tokyo Bay was estimated to be 10.2 ± 1.6, 38 ± 22, and 1500-1800 tons for PCPs, fibers, and TWPs, respectively. Emissions into Tokyo Bay by assuming MP density and diameter was estimated. For fiber, the fraction to potential emission was estimated at 1.0-2.8 %. This study contributes to determining potential discharge pathways. This will assist in the application of appropriate measures to reduce MP discharge into water bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Ono
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan.
| | - Wataru Naito
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Isamu Ogura
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Mianqiang Xue
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Etsuko Kato
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Motoki Uesaka
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Tsunemi
- Research Institute of Science for Safety and Sustainability, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
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17
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Preston CA, McKenna Neuman CL, Aherne J. Effects of Shape and Size on Microplastic Atmospheric Settling Velocity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:11937-11947. [PMID: 37523322 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) have been found in all terrestrial, marine, and riparian environments, including remote regions. This implies that atmospheric transport is an important pathway when considering MP sources and global budgets. However, limited empirical data exist to aid in effective development and parameterization of MP atmospheric transport models. This study measured the atmospheric settling and horizontal drift velocities of various sizes and shapes of MPs in two specially designed settling columns using a laser Doppler anemometer. The settling velocities were generally lower than modeled values, while shape exerted the most significant influence on the rate of settling. Rather than conforming to well-established, power-law models, each class of MP exhibited a linear but different relationship between MP size and settling velocity, with markedly higher slopes for the spheres and cylinders as compared to the films and fibers. Shape also had a substantial influence on particle drift, with the fibers and films exhibiting the greatest horizontal motion, as suggestive of their changing orientation in response to particle interactions and fluid drag. As a consequence, microplastic particles identified within atmospheric deposition samples collected at a single point may derive from entirely different sources representing a wide range in transport distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette A Preston
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 0G2, Canada
| | | | - Julian Aherne
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, K9J 0G2, Canada
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18
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Zhou Y, Li Y, Yan Z, Wang H, Chen H, Zhao S, Zhong N, Cheng Y, Acharya K. Microplastics discharged from urban drainage system: Prominent contribution of sewer overflow pollution. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 236:119976. [PMID: 37087916 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Urban drainage system is an important channel for terrigenous microplastics (<5 mm in size) to migrate to urban water bodies, especially the input load caused by overflow pollution in wet weather. Investigating how they transport and discharge is essential to better understand the occurrence and variability of microplastics in different water ecosystems. This study evaluated the abundance and distribution characteristics of microplastics in the drainage systems of typical coastal cities in China. The impacts of meteorological conditions and land use were explored. In particular, the prominent contribution of drainage sewer overflow pollution during storm events were investigated. The results showed that the microplastics abundance in daily sewage discharge from different drainage plots ranged between 13.6 and 30.8 items/L, with fibers as the dominant type of microplastics. Sewer overflow discharge can greatly aggravate microplastic abundance to 83.1 ± 40.2 items/L. Road runoff and sewer sediment scouring were the main pollution sources. Systematic estimates based on detailed data showed that the average microplastics emitted per capita per day in household wastewater was 3461.5 items. A quantitative estimation method was proposed to show that the annual emissions load of microplastics via urban drainage system in this research area was 5.83×1010 items/km2, of which the proportion of emissions in wet weather accounted for about 60%. This research provides the first full-process of assessment and source apportionment of the microplastic distribution characteristics in old drainage system. The occurrence of storm events is an important marker of increased microplastic abundance in urban rivers, with a view to urgent need for interception of surface runoff and purification of sewer overflow pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yiping Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Zhenhua Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Haiying Wang
- Nanning Exploration & Survey Geoinformation Institute, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Huangjun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Sisuo Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Niqian Zhong
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lakes, Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
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19
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Do T, Park Y, Lim B, Kim S, Chae MY, Chun CH. Effect of the first-flush phenomenon on the quantification of microplastics in rainwater. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 187:114559. [PMID: 36603237 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Precipitation of airborne microplastics (MPs) by rainfall is one of the major transport pathways of MPs from land-to-marine. While most studies examining wet precipitation of MPs collect surface runoffs, direct investigations of MPs in rainwater are hardly reported. In this study, high-frequency and direct rainwater sampling methodology considering the first-flush effect was demonstrated. The variations in MP abundance were evaluated by the inlet size of rainwater collector, time, and duration of sampling. As a result, a stable abundance of MPs was obtained when samplings were conducted at the same time and duration even with different collectors. On the other hand, the abundance increased as much as 4.5 times in samples collected at different times due to the first-flush effect of rainfall. Thus, our methodology that presents MPs concentration versus time curves based on high-frequency sampling would be helpful for easy comparison between similar rainfall studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taegu Do
- Chemical Business R&D Department, Institute of Science, CESCO Co., 46 Sangil-ro 10-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05288, Republic of Korea; Construction Materials Center, Korea Testing and Research Institute (KTR), 98 Guoyukwon-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 13810, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yujeong Park
- Chemical Business R&D Department, Institute of Science, CESCO Co., 46 Sangil-ro 10-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05288, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungchul Lim
- Chemical Business R&D Department, Institute of Science, CESCO Co., 46 Sangil-ro 10-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05288, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoun Kim
- Chemical Business R&D Department, Institute of Science, CESCO Co., 46 Sangil-ro 10-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05288, Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, 52 Ewhayeodae-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Young Chae
- Chemical Business R&D Department, Institute of Science, CESCO Co., 46 Sangil-ro 10-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05288, Republic of Korea
| | - Chi-Hwan Chun
- Chemical Business R&D Department, Institute of Science, CESCO Co., 46 Sangil-ro 10-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05288, Republic of Korea.
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20
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A terminal-velocity model for super-ellipsoidal particles. ADV POWDER TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apt.2022.103882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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21
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Shen Z, Wang H, Liang D, Yan Y, Zeng Y. The fate of microplastics in estuary: A quantitative simulation approach. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 226:119281. [PMID: 36288665 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics pollution is an emerging environmental concern. However, there are almost no MPs numerical simulation studies in the Yangtze Estuary which is considered as the largest plastic export in the world and quantitative simulation is not carried out in the existing models. Therefore, completing quantitative simulation and exploring different patterns of MPs transport are the main objectives of this study. In addition, the concentration distribution and risk of MPs are also analyzed. Mass-Number method is proposed to quantitatively simulate microplastics concentration in Feb. and May with errors of less than 18%. Compared with sediment flocculation and settling transport, independent floating transport is more susceptible to surface currents resulting in increased beaching and more inhomogeneous concentration distribution. Meanwhile, under the influence of current, local topography and salt wedge, the MPs perform linear motion and clockwise spiral motion inside and outside the estuary and rapidly form a "hot spot" on the southeastern part of Chongming Island and 57% to 90% of MPs are beached or settled inside the estuary, especially on the north shore. Therefore, MPs risk in some sensitive targets should be concerned according to risk assessment results. Our results break the space-time limit and explore the fate of MPs in the Yangtze Estuary and provide new idea and concern of MPs numerical simulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China.
| | - Dongfang Liang
- Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK
| | - Yuting Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
| | - Yichuan Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China; College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, China
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22
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Liu Y, Hao R, Shi X, Zhang S, Sun B, Zhao S, Huotari J. Application of a microplastic trap to the determination of the factors controlling the lakebed deposition of microplastics. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:156883. [PMID: 35752243 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments are hard to degrade, easy to transport, and potentially hazardous to biota. Previous studies of MPs in lakes have shown that their deposition is a significant process controlling both their lateral dispersal from a source, and their concentration within the water column. However, the lakebed depositional rates of MPs have predominantly been determined using laboratory experiments and/or through model simulations that may not fully reflect field conditions. In this paper, lacustrine depositional rates in Lake Ulansuhai were documented using an MP trap that allowed for the assessment and quantification of the depositional rates of MPs of differing size, density, and shape at three sampling sites over five different time periods. The results showed that the downward flux for all types of MPs near the lakebed was correlated with wind speed. Higher wind speeds led to the resuspension of greater amounts of MPs in the lakebed sediments and the transport of greater amounts of MPs from the lake inlet to the lake interior and outlet along the hydrologic flow directions. Consequently, higher wind speeds increased the abundance of MPs at the sediment-water interface and intensified the vertical mixing of MPs in the lake water, resulting in a higher depositional flux of MPs. Particles of differing size, shape, and density exhibited different depositional rates. In general, fragmentary, larger size, and higher density MPs were more likely to be deposited. Thus, size and shape have a strong effect on the migration and deposition of HDMPs in Lake Ulansuhai.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
| | - Ruonan Hao
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Xiaohong Shi
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China.
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Biao Sun
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Shengnan Zhao
- Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering College, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Jussi Huotari
- Lammi Biological Station, Ecosystems and Environment Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Helsinki University, Lammi FI-16900, Finland
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23
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Development of a benchmark for drag correlations of nonspherical particles based on settling experiments of super-ellipsoidal particles. POWDER TECHNOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2022.117811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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24
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Choi CE, Zhang J, Liang Z. Towards realistic predictions of microplastic fiber transport in aquatic environments: Secondary motions. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 218:118476. [PMID: 35483208 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics fibers are abundant in aquatic environments and are an emerging environmental threat. Understanding how fibers are transported in aquatic environments is essential for identifying pollution hotspots and developing remediation strategies. Over recent years, an increasing number of drag models have been proposed to describe the transport of microplastics in aquatic environments. However, none of the proposed models consider secondary motions, which are responsible for non-vertical settling motions. To investigate the role of secondary motions, an experimental setup with an image processing technique was developed to capture the spatial-temporal kinematics of microplastic fibers settling in quiescent water. A new drag model, which adopts the crosswise sphericity to consider the effects of secondary motions of a microplastic fiber and the Aschenbrenner shape factor to account for the unique morphology of the microplastic fiber, was proposed and evaluated. Secondary motions of microplastic fibers have profound effects on their settling trajectories and deposited positions. The settling motion and drag coefficient of a microplastic fiber is an orientation-dependent process. Moreover, the secondary motion is strongly dependent on the fiber dimension and density. The here-proposed drag model is proven to more accurately characterize the settling motion of microplastic fibers compared to existing models that neglect secondary motions. The methodology and model from this study can be used to progress towards improved and realistic predictions of the transport of microplastic fibers in aquatic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- The Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, China.
| | - Zhengyu Liang
- The Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, HKSAR, China
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