Microparticle dynamics in upper-ocean turbulence: Dataset for analysis, modeling & prediction.

ABSTRACT

Plastic particle pollution has threatened the well-being of seawater ecosystems over the past decades. Therefore, understanding, modeling and (potentially) predicting the dynamics of microplastics and biogenic particles in ocean turbulence is of utmost importance to help develop mitigation strategies and propose technological solutions ultimately aimed at safeguarding global water systems. This is particularly significant for microplastics in the upper-ocean layer. To that end, this work presents a comprehensive and openly accessible dataset carefully designed to explore the interplay between the flow physics of particle-laden turbulence and the physicochemical effects of biofilm stickiness. The dataset comprises nine point-particle direct numerical simulations of fluid flow featuring microplastic and biogenic debris within a periodic three-dimensional flow domain. In all cases, the chosen turbulent intensity and microparticle properties represent conditions observed in the upper-ocean layer. This data repository aims to facilitate in-depth exploration, modeling and prediction of the intricate flow physics observed in marine microplastics, particularly regarding their distribution and aggregation.