Effect of nanobubbles on the mobilization of microplastics in shorelines subject to seawater infiltration

In this study, we explored natural NBs' influence on the mobilization of MPs in shorelines subject to seawater infiltration. Using glass beads as a substrate, a coastal porous environment was constructed through column experiments, and the pump-controlled water flow was used to study the transport of MPs (ranging between 4-25 μm) subject to seawater movement within the substrate. The infiltration of MPs under continuous and transient conditions, as well as the upward transport induced by flood tide, were considered. The role of salinity in the interactions between NBs, MPs, and substrates was evaluated. Salinity altered the energy barriers between particles, which in turn affected the movement of MPs within the substrate. In addition, hydrophilic MPs were more likely to infiltrate within the substrate and had different movement patterns under continuous and transient conditions. The motion of the MPs within the substrate varied with flow rate, and NBs limited the vertical movement of MPs in the tidal zone. It was also observed that NBs adsorbed readily onto substrates, altering the surface properties of substrates, particularly their ability to attach and detach from other substances.PMID:38604304 | DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123950
Source: Environmental Pollution - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Source Type: research