Table 1 Model parameter sensitivity analyzed in this study
From: Plastic waste discharge to the global ocean constrained by seawater observations
Model parameter | Scenario | |
|---|---|---|
Test case | The beaching rate is 10% day−1. | |
The rate of fragmentation and abrasion is 10% yr−1. | ||
The effect of biofouling is not modified. | ||
The effect of sedimentation is not modified. | ||
The ocean source accounts for 20% of the total discharge. | ||
Beaching ratea | 1%/day | The beaching rate is 1% day−1. |
5%/day | The beaching rate is 5% day−1. | |
25%/day | The beaching rate is 25% day−1. | |
Constant | The beaching rate is constant on the global coasts, regardless of sandy beach length. | |
Fragmentation rate | 1%/yr | The rate of fragmentation and abrasion is 1% yr−1. |
10%/mon | The rate of fragmentation and abrasion is 10% mon−1. | |
Depending on size | The rate of fragmentation and abrasion for microplastic is 10% mon−1 while the rate for macroplastic is 10% yr−1. | |
Depending on type | The rate of fragmentation and abrasion for PE is 10% yr−1, PP and PVC are 1% yr−1, and others are 10% mon−1. | |
Biofouling rate | Low | The effect of biofouling is reduced by a factor of 0.1. |
High | The effect of biofouling is magnified by a factor of 10. | |
Sedimentation rate | Low | The effect of sedimentation is reduced by a factor of 0.1. |
High | The effect of sedimentation is amplified by a factor of 10. | |
Marine sources | Low | There is no ocean-based discharge. |
High | The ocean source accounts for 40% of the total discharge. | |
