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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
10:16
Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
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Wind-tide coupling as a key driver of microplastic pathways in the Ria de Vigo (NW Spain)
Magda C Sousa1, Américo S Ribeiro1, Humberto Pereira1
1CESAM - Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Physics, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|March 20, 2026
Summary
Marine plastic debris from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are rapidly exported from estuaries, with winds and tides significantly influencing microplastic transport and retention. Understanding these estuarine dynamics is key to reducing coastal pollution.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Oceanography
- Coastal Engineering
Background:
- Marine plastic debris poses significant environmental challenges.
- Estuarine hydrodynamics are critical in the transport and retention of pollutants like microplastics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hydrodynamic mechanisms controlling microplastic transport, retention, and export from the Ría de Vigo estuary.
- To identify key processes governing microplastic dispersion from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Delft3D modelling system.
- Simulated various wind and tidal scenarios to analyze microplastic behavior.
Main Results:
- Floating microplastics are exported within 24 hours, demonstrating the dominance of estuarine hydrodynamics.
- Upwelling winds and neap tides enhance microplastic export to the continental shelf.
- Downwelling conditions and weaker stratification promote microplastic retention within the estuary.
Conclusions:
- Estuarine hydrodynamics significantly influence microplastic residence time and export efficiency.
- Findings provide a scientific basis for improved wastewater discharge management to mitigate estuarine microplastic pollution.
- Effective strategies can reduce microplastic export from estuaries to coastal oceans.
Keywords:
Coastal hydrodynamicsLagrangian particle trackingPlastic pollutionUpwelling–downwelling dynamicsWastewater dischargeMore Related Videos
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