Universität Stuttgart

Introduction and background The presence of microplastic particles (<5mm, MP) in the environment is a problem of growing concern. While research has focused on MP occurrence and impacts in the marine environment, very little is known about their release on land, storage in soils and sediments and transport by run-off and rivers (Nizzetto, 2016). Especially the transport behaviour with involved processes and parameters represents a significant knowledge gap. Therefore, this work focuses on the transport behaviour of MP in rivers as connecting element between source and marine environment. Basically, transport of MP in rivers differs considerably from transport of riverine sediments given the different density, particle shape and ad-/cohesion forces of MP but also given their mixing with riverine sediments. To understand the fate of MP in rivers, it is crucial to conduct experimental research in hydraulic laboratories with controlled boundary conditions to investigate involved processes and parameters. This includes e.g. processes such as sedimentation (settling velocity), interaction with riverine sediments (adhesion) and the resuspension and erosion behaviour that all depend on type, size and shape of the microplastic particles. Department of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management Prof. Dr.-Ing. Silke Wieprecht