Wind- and rain-driven macroplastic mobilization and transport on land

Wind- and rain-driven macroplastic mobilization and transport on land

2024 | Yvette A. M. Mellink, Tim H. M. van Emmerik, Thomas Mani
This study investigates the mobilization and transport of macroplastics on land driven by wind and rain. The researchers conducted laboratory experiments using an artificial hillslope to quantify the effects of terrain characteristics, material properties, wind speed, and rain intensity on macroplastic mobilization and transport. Key findings include: 1. **Mobilization Probability**: The probability of macroplastic mobilization depends on the type of plastic and terrain characteristics. For example, bags had a 100% mobilization probability on grass at a wind speed of 2.3 m/s, while other types of plastics had lower mobilization probabilities. 2. **Transport Velocity**: Transport velocities were positively correlated with wind speed but not with rain intensity. On paved surfaces, transport velocities were 1.9 times higher driven by wind and 4.9 times higher driven by rain compared to grass. 3. **Terrain Characteristics**: The terrain slope and surface roughness significantly influenced mobilization and transport. Higher slopes and smoother surfaces (paved) increased mobilization and transport probabilities. 4. **Material Properties**: Different types of macroplastics (bags, wrappers, bottles, cups) showed distinct mobilization and transport behaviors, with bags having the highest mobilization and transport velocities. 5. **Model Comparison**: The study's results suggest that current models underestimating the mobilization and transport of macroplastics should incorporate factors such as surface runoff and terrain characteristics. The study highlights the complex interplay between natural forces and the dynamics of macroplastic transport on land, providing valuable insights for the development of monitoring and prevention strategies to reduce plastic pollution.This study investigates the mobilization and transport of macroplastics on land driven by wind and rain. The researchers conducted laboratory experiments using an artificial hillslope to quantify the effects of terrain characteristics, material properties, wind speed, and rain intensity on macroplastic mobilization and transport. Key findings include: 1. **Mobilization Probability**: The probability of macroplastic mobilization depends on the type of plastic and terrain characteristics. For example, bags had a 100% mobilization probability on grass at a wind speed of 2.3 m/s, while other types of plastics had lower mobilization probabilities. 2. **Transport Velocity**: Transport velocities were positively correlated with wind speed but not with rain intensity. On paved surfaces, transport velocities were 1.9 times higher driven by wind and 4.9 times higher driven by rain compared to grass. 3. **Terrain Characteristics**: The terrain slope and surface roughness significantly influenced mobilization and transport. Higher slopes and smoother surfaces (paved) increased mobilization and transport probabilities. 4. **Material Properties**: Different types of macroplastics (bags, wrappers, bottles, cups) showed distinct mobilization and transport behaviors, with bags having the highest mobilization and transport velocities. 5. **Model Comparison**: The study's results suggest that current models underestimating the mobilization and transport of macroplastics should incorporate factors such as surface runoff and terrain characteristics. The study highlights the complex interplay between natural forces and the dynamics of macroplastic transport on land, providing valuable insights for the development of monitoring and prevention strategies to reduce plastic pollution.
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