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https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/55054
Title: | Microplastic surface retention and mobility on hiking trails |
Contributor(s): | Forster, Nicola Ann (author); Wilson, Susan Caroline (author) ; Tighe, Matthew Kevin (author) |
Publication Date: | 2023-04 |
Early Online Version: | 2023-01-31 |
Open Access: | Yes |
DOI: | 10.1007/s11356-023-25635-z |
Handle Link: | https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/55054 |
Abstract: | | Hiking and trail running are a source of microplastic (MP) pollution on recreational trails in wilderness and conservation areas; however, the fate of MPs deposited on trails is poorly understood as MP mobility on such surfaces has not yet been examined. In this study, we simulated heavy rainfall (100 mm/h) on trail surfaces with existing MP pollution (in situ MPs) and spiked with 99 ± 2 rubber MPs (100–940 μm). Runoff was collected for 15 min and spiked and in situ MPs were quantified. Hydrological, erosional and microplastic responses were evaluated in relation to slope, bulk density, soil moisture and surface condition indicators, including amounts and types of surface cover and soil physical attributes. The MPs were largely immobile, with 85–100% of spiked MPs retained on trail surfaces. In situ MPs were detected in the trail runoff, with the majority being polyurethane, polypropylene and polyester. Microplastic movement was primarily influenced by hydrological effects, and analysis indicated the main explanatory variable was total runoff volume, followed by soil slaking. Trail sections with at least 15% herbaceous cover or a layer of loose alluvium had higher MP retention. Areas of resource accrual may be preferentially enriched, suggesting MPs from outdoor recreation may be concentrated on and adjacent to recreational trails. Microplastics deposited on trails may have long term implications for biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in wilderness and conservation areas, particularly around the trail corridor.
Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Source of Publication: | Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(16), p. 46368-46382 |
Publisher: | Springer |
ISSN: | 1614-7499 0944-1344 |
Fields of Research (FoR) 2020: | 410501 Environmental biogeochemistry 410402 Environmental assessment and monitoring 410504 Surface water quality processes and contaminated sediment assessment |
Socio-Economic Objective (SEO) 2020: | 180601 Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems 180605 Soils |
Peer Reviewed: | Yes |
HERDC Category Description: | C1 Refereed Article in a Scholarly Journal |
Appears in Collections: | Journal Article School of Environmental and Rural Science
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