Samenvatting

This study investigates the influence of microplastic (MP) concentration on soil erodibility and examines how wind intensity affects the aerosolization of MPs, organic matter, and mineral fractions. Conducted under the SOILPROM project at Wageningen University & Research, two controlled laboratory experiments using the PI-SWERL device assessed changes in threshold friction velocity (TFV) and sediment characteristics across varying MP concentrations and wind speeds. Results demonstrate that increasing MP content significantly lowers TFV, indicating greater susceptibility to wind erosion. Higher wind intensities led to greater aerosolization of smaller MPs and mineral particles, with MP shape and size affecting transport dynamics. MPs appear to reduce soil cohesion both chemically and physically, contributing to early turbulence and microaggregate breakdown. These findings highlight the role of MPs in altering sediment composition and enhancing erosion, underscoring the need to integrate MP-related processes into wind erosion models and land degradation assessments.