Microplastic surface retention and mobility on hiking trails

Author(s)
Forster, Nicola Ann
Wilson, Susan Caroline
Tighe, Matthew Kevin
Publication Date
2023-04
Abstract
<p>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.</p>
Citation
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30(16), p. 46368-46382
ISSN
1614-7499
0944-1344
Pubmed ID
36717419
Link
Publisher
Springer
Rights
Attribution 4.0 International
Title
Microplastic surface retention and mobility on hiking trails
Type of document
Journal Article
Entity Type
Publication

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