Author(s): Saifei He; Gabriel Micheletti; Juan Naves Garcia-Rendueles; Jose Anta Alvarez; Antonio M. Moreno-Rodenas; Mario J. Franca; Daniel Valero
Linked Author(s): Mário Franca, Juan Naves García-Rendueles, Jose Anta Álvarez, Antonio Manuel Moreno Rodenas
Keywords: Plastics; Litter characterization; Hydrodynamic transport; Flood risk management; Urban floods
Abstract: This study investigates thirteen representative urban litter types and their physical properties from a hydrodynamic transport perspective. The litter items were selected based on their prevalence in urban environments, environmental risks, and variability in physical properties. Each item was characterized for critical attributes such as primary material composition, dimensions, dry and wet masses, and water-storing properties. Hydrodynamic parameters such as settling and rising velocities and friction coefficients were also measured. The results provide insights into how different urban litter types may respond to hydrodynamic forces during surface runoff and rainfall events, highlighting shape and mass as dominant factors in the mobilization of urban debris. This research offers a useful information on physical properties of urban litter and their connections to transport dynamics.
Year: 2024