Synergy between microplastic and sediments within the aquatic system

微塑料是人为污染的来源，由于其在地球表面的高浓度，正成为一个环境问题。虽然大型塑料由于其可见性而可以使用传统方法轻松收集，但由于其规模小并且能够与河岸土壤颗粒和其他塑料类型聚集，因此对微米和纳米塑料从陆地到河流，河口和海洋的路径和命运的全面了解是未知的。然而，其在水生系统中的运输和沉积到河床上的物理机制尚未阐明。微塑料和河床沉积物之间的相互作用由于凝聚力可以导致它们聚集形成更大更重的颗粒，因此更容易存款在河床上。这些过程需要得到很好的理解，以告知数字模型和未来环境政策的发展，可以解决和减少微塑料对环境的影响。本项目旨在提供一个新的理解微塑料和沉积物颗粒之间的双向相互作用在水生系统。博士研究员将在卡迪夫大学独特的水力水槽设施中进行实验，使用一系列流量和沉积物测量技术，如粒子图像测速仪，声学多普勒测速仪，超声波测距距离传感器和高速摄像机。该项目与“工程”和“与环境变化（LWEC）生活”的研究主题保持一致，因为该奖学金的职权范围在“环境”和“水”中。

Microplastics are a source of anthropogenic contamination that are becoming an environmental concern due to their high concentrations across the earth's surface. Whilst large plastics can be collected easily using traditional methods due to their visibility, a full understanding of the pathways and fate of micro- and nano-plastics from the land to the rivers, estuaries and the sea is unknown, due to their small scale and ability to agglomerate with riparian soil particles and other plastic types. Nevertheless, the physical mechanisms which govern their transport in aquatic systems, and deposition onto the riverbed is yet to be elucidated. The interaction between microplastics and bed sediments due to cohesive forces can lead to their aggregation forming much larger and heavier particles that are therefore easier to deposit on the river bed. These processes need to be well-understood to inform the development of numerical models and future environment policies that can address and reduce the impact of microplastics on the environment.This project aims at providing a new understanding to the two-way interaction between microplastics and sediment particles within the aquatic system. The PhD researcher will conduct experiments in unique hydraulic flume facilities at Cardiff University using a range of flow and sediment measurement techniques, such as particle image velocimetry, acoustic doppler velocimetry, ultrasonic ranging distance sensors and high speed cameras. The project aligns well with both the 'Engineering' and 'Living with environmental change (LWEC)' research themes, due to the remit of this studentship lying within "Environment" and "Water".