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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis

Published on: December 16, 2016

Microplastic surface retention and mobility on hiking trails.

Nicola Ann Forster¹, Susan Caroline Wilson², Matthew Kevin Tighe²

¹School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, 2351, Australia. nforste2@myune.edu.au.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research International

|January 30, 2023

Summary

Microplastic (MP) pollution from recreation is common on trails. Most MPs remain on trails during heavy rain, but some move with runoff, potentially impacting ecosystems.

Keywords:

Erosion Landscape function analysis Microplastic movement Rainfall simulation Soil surface

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Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Ecotoxicology
Soil Science

Background:

Recreational activities like hiking and trail running contribute microplastic (MP) pollution to natural environments.
The movement and fate of MPs on recreational trails, particularly under rainfall conditions, remain largely unexamined.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate microplastic mobility and retention on recreational trail surfaces during simulated rainfall.
To identify factors influencing microplastic transport in trail runoff.

Main Methods:

Simulated heavy rainfall (100 mm/h) on trails with existing and added microplastics (rubber MPs, 100-940 μm).
Collected and quantified microplastics in runoff over 15 minutes.
Analyzed microplastic responses against hydrological, erosional, and soil surface variables (slope, moisture, cover).

Main Results:

Microplastics exhibited low mobility, with 85-100% retention on trail surfaces.
In situ MPs detected in runoff included polyurethane, polypropylene, and polyester.
Total runoff volume and soil slaking were key drivers of microplastic movement.
Higher MP retention observed with ≥15% herbaceous cover or loose alluvium.

Conclusions:

Microplastics largely remain on trail surfaces, but some transport occurs, influenced by rainfall and soil conditions.
Recreational microplastic pollution may accumulate on and near trails, posing long-term risks to wilderness ecosystems.
Trail surface characteristics significantly affect microplastic retention and potential off-site transport.