Author(s): Arefeh Shamskhany; Shooka Karimpour

Linked Author(s): Arefeh Shamskhany, Shooka Karimpour

Keywords: No Keywords

Abstract: The surge in global plastic production has led to more plastic debris ending up in the aquatic environment. Plastic pollution has detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems. To mitigate this pollution, it's essential to understand the behaviour and distribution of microplastics (MPs) in water. Various factors, like physical properties of MPs and transport mechanisms such as turbulent-induced mixing, affect the movement of MPs in water. This study presents experimental investigations into the behaviour of MPs of various sizes and shapes in grid-generated turbulent flow. Three distinct particle shapes - spheres, fibre-like elongated cylinders, and film-like flattened cylinders - are examined at different equivalent diameters. Multiple experiments have been conducted in a recirculating flume with varying flow rates to study the mixing and distribution of MPs affected by both the physical characteristics of the particle and hydrodynamics of the ambient flow. It is anticipated that smaller non-spherical shapes exhibit increased drag effects. As a result, smaller fibres and films deviate more from their gravity driven behaviour, leading to longer entrainment periods with the ambient flow, and ultimately, they are transported to areas farther from their source. This research provides valuable insights into the complex interaction between the physical characteristics of MPs and the ambient turbulent flow in aquatic environments, contributing to our understanding of MP distribution in water bodies.

DOI:

Year: 2024