Mapping Microplastic Movement: A Phase Diagram to Predict Nonbuoyant Microplastic Modes of Transport at the Particle Scale

Abstract

Microplastics pose numerous threats to aquatic environments, yet understanding their transport mechanisms remains limited. Drawing from natural sediment research provides valuable insights to address this knowledge gap. One key dimensionless number used to describe sediment transport is the transport stage, referring to the ratio between the flow shear velocity and the particle settling velocity. However, variations in physical properties, such as shape and density, raise concerns about the applicability of existing sediment transport theories to microplastics. To address this challenge, we employed a physical modeling approach, examining 24 different nonbuoyant microplastic particles in a turbulent open channel flow. Utilizing 3D particle tracking, a total of 720 trajectories were recorded and analyzed. Microplastic particles exhibited transport modes akin to natural sediments, including rolling/sliding, saltation, and suspension. The transport stage strongly correlated with these modes, as well as with the mean forward velocity and mean position in the water column. Notably, particle shape emerged as a critical factor influencing transport dynamics. Due to their lower settling velocity, fibers tended to stay closer to the water surface with lower forward velocities compared to spheres. Based on the laboratory results, a new phase diagram for microplastics is introduced analogous to an existing diagram for sediments.