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Global Modeled Sinking Characteristics of Biofouled Microplastic
Delphine Lobelle1, Merel Kooi2, Albert A Koelmans2
1Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht University Utrecht Netherlands.
Journal of Geophysical Research. Oceans
|July 5, 2021
Summary
Microplastic sinking is influenced by particle size and biofouling. Smaller microplastics sink globally, while larger ones accumulate in gyres, highlighting the role of biological processes in ocean plastic distribution.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Microplastic pollution is a significant environmental concern.
- The sinking behavior and timescales of microplastics in the ocean are poorly understood.
- Both physical and biological processes influence microplastic fate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model microplastic sinking timescales considering biofouling.
- To estimate the time for microplastics to reach their final sinking depth.
- To investigate the influence of particle size, density, and environmental factors on microplastic sinking.
Main Methods:
- Utilized NEMO-MEDUSA 2.0 output for oceanographic and biological data.
- Employed a particle-tracking framework to simulate microplastic movement.
- Simulated various microplastic sizes and densities under different oceanic conditions.
Main Results:
- Microplastic sinking timescales are primarily size-dependent, not density-dependent.
- Smallest simulated particles (0.1 μm) sink globally but take longer to reach their sinking depth.
- Larger particles (1-0.01 mm) may not sink in oligotrophic gyres within 90 days, suggesting biofouling's role in accumulation.
- Biofouling significantly impacts sinking in equatorial Pacific, while vertical advection dominates in gyres for 1 μm particles.
- Seasonality has minor effects, though spring blooms can accelerate sinking.
Conclusions:
- Particle size is the dominant factor controlling microplastic sinking globally.
- Biological processes, particularly biofouling, play a crucial role in microplastic accumulation in subtropical gyres.
- Understanding these sinking dynamics is vital for accurate ocean plastic budget estimations.
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