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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
10:53
Simultaneous Measurement of Turbulence and Particle Kinematics Using Flow Imaging Techniques
Published on: March 12, 2019
Competing effects of bed sediments on turbulence-driven microfiber infiltration
Teresa Serra1, Laura Guardiola2, Mirco Mancini3
1Department of Physics, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain; Catalan Institute for Water Research, Girona, Spain.
Marine Environmental Research
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Microfibers (MFs) infiltrate sediment beds through dynamic processes driven by turbulence. Sediment properties like grain size, not consolidation time, significantly influence MF sequestration depth in aquatic environments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Sedimentology
Background:
- Microfibers (MFs) are prevalent microplastics in ecosystems.
- Mechanisms of MF sequestration in sediment beds are poorly understood.
- Dynamic infiltration driven by turbulence is a key process.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine how sediment consolidation and granulometry mediate MF dynamic infiltration.
- To investigate the influence of turbulence on MF sequestration in sediment beds.
- To understand factors affecting MF infiltration depth in freshwater and marine environments.
Main Methods:
- Experimental tests using an oscillating grid to create shear-free turbulence.
- Simulated turbulence dissipation rates from 1.01 to 4.15 cm² s⁻³.
- Utilized eight synthetic microfiber types and varied sediment consolidation times and granulometries.
Main Results:
- MF infiltration depth is influenced by sediment particle size (d10), MF diameter, shape, flexibility, shear velocity, and settling velocity.
- Sediment consolidation time did not affect MF sequestration.
- MF infiltration occurred even when microfiber-to-sediment diameter ratio exceeded 1, with maximum infiltration in fine and medium sands.
Conclusions:
- Sediment bed granulometry and turbulence are critical drivers of microfiber infiltration.
- Sediment layers exhibit a high capacity for microfiber sequestration, independent of consolidation.
- Fine and medium sand beds are most susceptible to microfiber infiltration.
