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Modeling the transport of microplastics along river networks
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NETL
NSTL
Elsevier
The excessive use of plastics in modern life has led to a significant increase in production and a correspondingrise in plastic waste generation. The slow degradation of plastics results in the introduction and accumulation ofmicroplastics (MP) in the environment, posing environmental and health risks. River networks, acting as conduitsbetween terrestrial and marine environments, play a crucial role in controlling the transport of MP. Predictingthe complex processes of MP pathways in these environments is an ongoing challenge. To address thisissue, we propose a model that integrates the advection-dispersion equation with anthropogenic MP loads andhydraulic river network characteristics. The validity of the model was assessed using literature data from threeriver networks worldwide. Model results show a good agreement between predictions and field observations(R~2 = 0.72). Consequently, predicted MP data was used to perform a potential pollution assessment through thepollution load index, revealing in most cases higher MP contamination in headwaters stream and a dilution effectalong the river network. The structure of the proposed model allows its further implementation to account forother transport mechanisms, interactions with other emerging contaminants (i.e., pharmaceuticals), and connectionswith other riverine environments, making it a valuable tool for understanding and mitigating MPpollution.
NETL
NSTL
Elsevier
