Comparing field-based microplastic observations with ocean circulation model outputs in estuarine surface waters along a human population gradient DOI Creative Commons
Sarah M. Davis,

Thomas Lawrence,

Irene Andreu

et al.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 218, P. 118224 - 118224

Published: May 29, 2025

Despite the significant ecological and human health risks posed by microplastic (MP) pollution in estuarine environments, documentation of their distribution remains absent most water quality analyses. This study evaluated characteristics MPs surface waters Narragansett Bay, RI, largest estuary New England, which exhibits a strong north-to-south population gradient along its shoreline. We implemented seasonal tidal sampling across two years coupled with simulations MP movement using Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). observed higher concentrations urbanized northern regions Bay (mean ± SD, 0.67 0.6 particles m-3) compared to less populated southern (0.21 0.1 m-3), but temporal variability influenced freshwater inputs, wind, tides. Similarities between ROMS output field-collected data were evident when evaluating broad trends while fine-scale accuracy was limited. Simulated counts virtual moderately correlated shorter model durations (Spearman's coefficient, 3 d, ρ = 0.64) correlation strength decreasing increasing duration (7 0.49; 14 0.13). emphasizes importance spatially comprehensive appropriately replicated characterize dynamic nature estuaries. Our results suggest that coastal management strategies would benefit from adaptive monitoring programs account for spatio-temporal fluctuations consider drivers unique each mitigate inputs.

Language: Английский

Comparing field-based microplastic observations with ocean circulation model outputs in estuarine surface waters along a human population gradient DOI Creative Commons
Sarah M. Davis,

Thomas Lawrence,

Irene Andreu

et al.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 218, P. 118224 - 118224

Published: May 29, 2025

Despite the significant ecological and human health risks posed by microplastic (MP) pollution in estuarine environments, documentation of their distribution remains absent most water quality analyses. This study evaluated characteristics MPs surface waters Narragansett Bay, RI, largest estuary New England, which exhibits a strong north-to-south population gradient along its shoreline. We implemented seasonal tidal sampling across two years coupled with simulations MP movement using Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). observed higher concentrations urbanized northern regions Bay (mean ± SD, 0.67 0.6 particles m-3) compared to less populated southern (0.21 0.1 m-3), but temporal variability influenced freshwater inputs, wind, tides. Similarities between ROMS output field-collected data were evident when evaluating broad trends while fine-scale accuracy was limited. Simulated counts virtual moderately correlated shorter model durations (Spearman's coefficient, 3 d, ρ = 0.64) correlation strength decreasing increasing duration (7 0.49; 14 0.13). emphasizes importance spatially comprehensive appropriately replicated characterize dynamic nature estuaries. Our results suggest that coastal management strategies would benefit from adaptive monitoring programs account for spatio-temporal fluctuations consider drivers unique each mitigate inputs.

Language: Английский

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