Tide-induced infiltration and resuspension of microplastics in shorelines: Insights from tidal tank experiments

Abstract

In the present study, the infiltration and resuspension of microplastics (MPs) in a slope substrate under the influence of repeated tidal forces were investigated using a tidal tank. In the scenario in which MPs were placed on the top of the slope, increasing numbers of particles were observed on the water surface with the increase in tidal cycles. More particles of smaller equivalent particle diameter (dMP) and low density floated to the water surface. The horizontal positions (positive toward the lower tide zone) of MPs showed significant positive correlation with the shortest length c of MPs, MP density, MP weight, dMP, and Corey shape factor, whereas they showed significant negative correlation with the rate of tidal level change and the longest length a of MPs. The vertical positions (positive in the downward direction) of MPs showed significant positive correlation with the shortest length c of MPs, MP density, MP weight, dMP, and Corey shape factor, while they demonstrated significant negative correlation with the largest cross-section area and surface tension of MPs. In the scenario in which MPs were placed at the bottom of the tank, the smaller and low-density particles had a higher possibility of moving upward to the water surface under repeated tidal forces. High-density particles also migrated to the water surface due to the surface tension force. Further, a lower rate of tidal level change contributed to more floating of particles. The horizontal positions of MPs showed significant positive correlation with MP density, while they demonstrated significant negative correlation with the largest cross-section area and surface tension of MPs. The vertical positions of MPs showed significant positive correlation with the longest length a of MPs, MP density, MP weight, and dMP. These results imply that large, high-density, and less flatty particles tend to be distributed in the lower tidal zone and deeper substrate layers. These findings can help understand the redistribution of MPs and assess their risk in the shoreline environment.