1,1,3,1,1- 1Ecosystem Research, Institute of Geography, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany (markus.rolf@uni-koeln.de)
- 2Faculty of Agriculture, Environment and Chemistry, University of Applied Sciences Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- 3Critical Zone Research, Institute of Geography, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- 4Emmy Noether Research Group PLASTICAL, BayCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- 5Animal Population Ecology, Animal Ecology I, BAYCEER, University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth, Germany
- 6Animal Ecology I, BAYCEER, University of Bayreuth, 95540 Bayreuth, Germany
Floodplains are recognized as significant sinks for sediments and pollutants transported by rivers, particularly during flood events which mobilize and redistribute contaminants like microplastics (MPs). This study investigates the role of floodplain vegetation and rough surfaces in the retention of microplastics and fine sediments during overbank flow, and the subsequent fate of these particles within the soil profile.
The research combined column experiments and field observations to quantify particle deposition. We found that vegetation characteristics are a primary driver for the retention of suspended particles. Specifically, plant biomass and structural diversity were positively correlated with the amount of sediment deposited on the vegetation surface. This suggests that denser and more structurally complex vegetation enhances the capture of both sediments and microplastics from the water column. To differentiate the effects of biological surfaces from purely physical ones, deposition on vegetation was compared with deposition on metal sheets of varying surface areas. The deposition results potentially reveal the impact of surface areas and roughness on microplastic retention.
Following the initial retention process, microplastics can infiltrate into the floodplain soil. The analysis of flood simulated soil column experiments confirm a heterogenous and rapid microplastic breakthrough. Additionally, under field conditions soil profiles confirms that floodplains act as major sinks, with the highest concentrations of MPs found in the upper 38-45 cm of soil depth. However, MPs are not permanently sequestered at the surface. The vertical distribution of microplastics is influenced by particle characteristics such as size and shape and soil properties. Smaller, spherical particles tend to infiltrate deeper into the soil compared to larger fragments and fibers. This downward translocation can be facilitated by processes such as preferential flow through soil structure and biopores.
In conclusion, floodplain vegetation plays a critical role in intercepting microplastics during floods, initiating their transfer from the aquatic to the terrestrial environment. The retention efficiency is closely linked to vegetation biomass and structure. Our findings highlight that vegetation structure is one factor for MP sedimentation from flooding, while soil structure and biopores control infiltration and vertical transport of MP into the soil matrix. Subsequent infiltration and distribution in the soil profile are governed by a complex interplay between MP particle traits, soil texture, and biological activity. These findings highlight the importance of floodings, vegetation cover, soil structure in the transport of microplastics at the interface of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
How to cite: Rolf, M., Laermanns, H., Echstenkämper, L., Seidel, P., Gröbner, M., Riedesel, S., Khaleel, R., Dowe, M. W., Holler, L., Pohl, F., Feldhaar, H., Laforsch, C., Löder, M. G. J., and Bogner, C.: Microplastic retention during a flood event by floodplain vegetation and their infiltration into the Rhine floodplain soil , EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-20390, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-20390, 2026.
