Affiliation:
1. CRETUS, Group of Nonlinear Physics, University of Santiago de Compostela, E-15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Abstract
Plastic fragmentation alters the size distribution of plastic waste in aquatic habitats, which is accelerated by mechanical stress and weathering degradation processes. Microplastic pieces constitute the vast bulk of plastic pollution in terms of quantity. Their size distribution has been shown to follow a power-law for larger fragments. This work introduces a novel model inspired by raindrop formation, incorporating local oceanographic processes and fragment size, aiming to improve the understanding and prediction of plastic fragmentation in marine environments. Particles can fragment when they reach a certain size, or when shear forces become too strong. Plastic aging’s effect on size distribution is also investigated.
Funder
FreeLitterAT Interreg Atlantic Project
Xunta de Galicia
Galicia Marine Science programme