Quantitative Study of Microplastics (MP) Aggregation and Settling Velocity with Varied Environmental Parameters and PFAS

Abstract Submission: Microplastics (MPs) are an emerging contaminant of concern that pose a threat to environmental and public health. There are still major unknowns about their transport behavior and mechanics in natural and engineered systems associated with stormwater, river systems, estuaries, and oceans. Research has shown that MPs can aggregate together and with nearby sediments, which can cause them to settle more quickly. Recent studies have also suggested that they may also aggregate more quickly with increasing salinity in estuaries, but detailed quantitative measurements of this effect are limited. In addition, the potential effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on MP aggregation have not been well studied. This study aims to measure the settling velocity and aggregation of MPs using a modified sediment imaging apparatus that captures hundreds of images per second of MPs suspended and settling in solutions of various salinity levels. Expected results aim to identify quantifiable relationships between MP aggregation, environmental parameters like salinity, and PFAS. This research will contribute to the development of numerical models to help model MP movement in our environments and to develop remediation approaches.

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