Selective transport of microplastics and mesoplastics by drifting in coastal waters.
Mar Pollut Bull
; 89(1-2): 324-330, 2014 Dec 15.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-25287228
ABSTRACT
The quantity and size distributions of small plastic fragments in the Seto Inland Sea, Japan were investigated using field surveys and a numerical particle-tracking model. The model was used to interpret the distributions of small plastic fragments and the possible transport processes in coastal waters. Of note, the size and quantity of mesoplastics (approximately >5mm) gradually increased close to the coast irrespective of the existence of river mouths, which probably act as a major source of anthropogenic marine debris. Additionally, microplastics were more dominant as we moved further offshore. The numerical model reproduced the near-shore trapping of mesoplastics, suggesting that mesoplastics are selectively conveyed onshore by a combination of Stokes drift and terminal velocity, dependent on fragment sizes. It is suggested that mesoplastics washed ashore on beaches degrade into microplastics, and that the microplastics, which are free from near-shore trapping, are thereafter spread offshore in coastal waters.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Tamaño de la Partícula
/
Plásticos
/
Residuos
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Movimientos del Agua
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Contaminación del Agua
País/Región como asunto:
Asia
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Mar Pollut Bull
Año:
2014
Tipo del documento:
Article