Fate of microplastics and mesoplastics carried by surface currents and wind waves: A numerical model approach in the Sea of Japan

Shinsuke Iwasaki, Atsuhiko Isobe, Shin'ichiro Kako, Keiichi Uchida, Tadashi Tokai

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

110 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A numerical model was established to reproduce the oceanic transport processes of microplastics and mesoplastics in the Sea of Japan. A particle tracking model, where surface ocean currents were given by a combination of a reanalysis ocean current product and Stokes drift computed separately by a wave model, simulated particle movement. The model results corresponded with the field survey. Modeled results indicated the micro- and mesoplastics are moved northeastward by the Tsushima Current. Subsequently, Stokes drift selectively moves mesoplastics during winter toward the Japanese coast, resulting in increased contributions of mesoplastics south of 39°N. Additionally, Stokes drift also transports micro- and mesoplastics out to the sea area south of the subpolar front where the northeastward Tsushima Current carries them into the open ocean via the Tsugaru and Soya straits. Average transit time of modeled particles in the Sea of Japan is drastically reduced when including Stokes drift in the model.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)85-96
Number of pages12
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume121
Issue number1-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Oceanography
  • Aquatic Science
  • Pollution

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