Study on the release of microplastic particles with different particle sizes in sediments caused by wave-induced liquefaction

Abstract

Every year, almost 1.15–2.41 million tons of plastic from terrestrial rivers undergo fragmentation under certain conditions and settle in the estuarine delta and shallow marine shelf areas, making this region a “sink” for land-based microplastics. Owing to its fast deposition rate, relatively soft sediment bed, and shallow water depth, the estuarine delta region is prone to liquefaction under high wind and wave conditions. This could potentially release deeply buried microplastic particles during the liquefaction process, posing further threats to marine ecology and human health. To investigate this phenomenon, laboratory experiments were conducted using a water tank to simulate wave-induced liquefaction of sediment beds. The results showed that under the influence of wave-induced liquefaction, 56.2 % of microplastic particles were released back into the sediment surface, with larger particles being released to a greater extent. Based on these experimental results, this study also analyzed and discussed the release rate and mechanisms of microplastic particles from sediment during wave-induced liquefaction, estimating that the maximum release rate of microplastic particles under the experimental conditions could reach 0.34 mm/min.