Transport mechanisms and fate of microplastics in estuarine compartments: A review

Abstract

Despite the importance of estuaries as transition zones between freshwater and marine compartments, their role in the transport of microplastics is still unclear. This review analyzes the findings pertaining to the transport mechanisms and other factors that influence the fate of microplastics in estuaries. It was found that the concentration of microplastics temporally varies under daily tides, monthly tides, and seasonal flows. Moreover, it spatially varies due to density effects, biofouling, aggregation, and salinity. Wind direction and intensity impact the spatiotemporal distribution of microplastics in the water column. Some of these processes transport microplastics to the estuarine sediments. Thereafter, microplastics are prone to resuspension by turbulence and bioturbation. Hence, estuaries act as temporary sinks that retain microplastics before being flushed to the ocean. Finally, a review of highly plastic-emitting rivers shows differences in the factors affecting the transport mechanisms of microplastics, which calls for regionalization when modelling their fate henceforward. © 2022 Elsevier Ltd