Institute of Hydrology
Topic
Changes in Soil Contact Angle and Related Hydrophysical Parameters due to Microplastic Contamination and Aging
PhD. program
Water Resources Engineering
Year of admission
2025
Name of the supervisor
Ing. Peter Šurda, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Civil Engineering STU
Annotation
Soil contamination by microplastics represents a growing environmental concern with significant implications for soil hydrophysical parameters. The contact angle, a key indicator of soil water repellency, is closely associated with other hydrophysical parameters. The aging of microplastics, particularly due to UV radiation exposure, can substantially influence their interactions with the soil environment. Scientific hypothesis of the dissertation: Soil contamination by microplastics and their subsequent aging significantly affect the soil contact angle and related hydrophysical parameters, with the magnitude of this impact depending on the type of microplastic, degree of aging, concentration in soil, and soil texture. The aim of the dissertation is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of changes in contact angle and related hydrophysical parameters of two soil types as a result of microplastic contamination and aging. This research will contribute to a better understanding of how microplastics and their aging/degradation influence the soil water regime.