Modelling Microplastics in the River Thames: Sources, Sinks and Policy Implications

With widespread, long-term historical use of plastics and the presence microplastics in a range new existing products, there is rising concern about their potential impacts on freshwater ecosystems. Understanding how are transported distributed along river systems key to assessing impacts. Modelling main flow dynamics, mixing, sedimentation resuspension processes essential for an understanding transport processes. We new, processed based, dynamic, integrated catchments (INCA) model apply this whole catchment River Thames, UK, evaluate inputs, loads concentrations system. Recent data from UK water industry studies effluent discharges sewage sludge disposal has been utilised drive INCA model. Predicted microplastic moving system shown be significant, with build-up river, increasing deposition riverbed. The aquatic ecosystems evaluated review policy implications explored.