Dispersal and transport of microplastics in river sediments

Rivers are viewed as major pathways of microplastic transport from terrestrial areas to marine ecosystems. However, there is paucity knowledge on the dispersal pattern and microplastics in river sediments. In this study, a three dimensional hydrodynamic particle modelling framework was created investigate processes particles commonly present environment, namely, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA), terephthalate (PET) The study outcomes confirmed that sedimental with lower density would have higher mobility. PE PP likely be transported for relatively longer distance, while PA PET accumulate close source points. High water flow more points, high velocity bottom layer suggested facilitate microplastics. Considering limited transport, indicated sediments act sink pollutants instead being pathway. patchiness associated hotspots different plastic types expected provide valuable information tracking.