Plastic pollution threatens the planets biodiversity in terrestrial and aquatic envi- ronments. In order to implement appropriate cleanup and mitigation measures a comprehensive understanding of plastic sources, amounts and transport mechanisms is essential. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of neu- trally buoyant plastic particles in Saigon river, Vietnam. For this, a two dimensional numerical model is generated with the software MIKE21 by coupling two modules, hydrodynamic and ABM. In order to analyse the seasonal and tidal influence on plastic transport in this context, the model runs cover one month in dry and one month in monsoon season. Furthermore, each model run is simulated with and with- out the influence of additional wind drift. The study domain is a 20 kilometers long stretch of Saigon river in Ho Chi Minh City, starting at the Dong Nai confluence. Calibration of the model is performed with a discharge hydrograph from CARE laboratory. Chemical and mechanical decay as well as particle shape and mass are not considered. Due to this simplification, this study assumes instant acceleration of the particle according to local velocities. Based on the applied simplifications, it can be concluded that the model can be improved further. However, the results are comprehensive and can be analysed conclusively. Wind and thus seasonality appears to be the dominating factor in transport of buoyant plastic. Entrapment by wind or in dry mesh elements in combination with the frequent change of flow direction due to tides, influence and predominantly extent the particles residence time in the domain.     «

Plastic pollution threatens the planets biodiversity in terrestrial and aquatic envi- ronments. In order to implement appropriate cleanup and mitigation measures a comprehensive understanding of plastic sources, amounts and transport mechanisms is essential. This study aims to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of neu- trally buoyant plastic particles in Saigon river, Vietnam. For this, a two dimensional numerical model is generated with the software MIKE21 by coupling two modules, hydr...     »