Settling Velocity of Microplastics Exposed to Wave Action

Microplastic (MP) debris is recognized to be one of the most serious threats marine environments. They are found in all seas and oceanic basins worldwide, even remote areas. This further proof that transport MPs very efficient. In present study, we focus our attention on MPs’ owing Stokes drift generated by sea waves. Recent studies have shown interaction between heavy particles leads unexpected phenomena mostly related inertial effects. We perform a series laboratory experiments with aim directly measure trajectories under different wave conditions. The main objective quantify effect and, ultimately, suggest new analytical formulation for net settling velocity. latter formula might implemented larger scale model order account effects simplified approach.