Modelling Microfiber Pollution Transport and Fate in Complex Environmental Flow Conditions

Microfibers, a major pollutant from synthetic textiles, pose a growing threat to freshwater ecosystems. These tiny fibers are released through wastewater and surface runoff, accumulating in rivers and wetlands, where they interact with vegetation, sediments, and flow dynamics. However, the mechanisms governing their transport, dispersion, and fate remain poorly understood.

This project aims to identify and quantify key processes influencing microfiber movement in freshwater environments. Using a combination of laboratory experiments and numerical modeling, we will examine the underlying processes governing microfiber transport, retention, and resuspension under varying flow and environmental conditions.

Innovative techniques such as fluorometric tracing, particle staining, and planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) will be used to track microfiber pathways under varying hydraulic conditions. Advanced numerical modelling techniques will be used to simulate microfiber interactions with flow, sediment, and vegetation. These models will be validated against experimental data and applied for predictive scenario analysis.

By improving our understanding of microfiber pollution dynamics, this research will inform strategies for mitigating their impact on freshwater systems, contributing to environmental protection and sustainable water management.