Microplastic dispersion from a modern artificial turf field with protective measures – Case study Bergaviks IP, Kalmar, Sweden

Fredrick Regnell

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Location

Ecoloop AB

Abstract

In September 2018, a new artificial turf was installed at Bergavik's IP, Kalmar Municipality. The artificial turf has largely followed the Swedish Football Association's recommendations for the construction of artificial turf. In addition to these recommendations, several dispersion prevention measures for microplastics were applied. By the artificial turf, sampling and measurements of the spread of microplastics have been carried out for surface and drainage water, players and maintenance vehicles. The measurements were carried out during the period September 2018 - October 2019. The purpose was to assess and quantify the most important pathways for microplastics. The spread has been divided into the potential spread to water and to the environment. The results indicate that the distribution to water, with dispersion prevention measures installed, was about 0.1 kg per year, of which about 10% is estimated to be granules. Distribution to the recipient takes place from the collection well, which receives water from the other wells. Stormwater wells constituted the largest potential source of dispersal where approximately 15.5 kg per year could be captured by the granular traps in the wells. The results indicate that the spread of microplastics to the environment can be prevented with proper measures. The spread via players is measured on many occasions while the spread via maintenance vehicles is based on a few measurements. The spread to water that could not be prevented was greatest immediately after installation and decreased over time; About 96% of the spread occurred during the first half of the year after the installation of the artificial turf, and only 4% (which corresponds to about 4 grams) was spread during the second half of the year. One conclusion from the study is that wet weather conditions contribute to greater potential microplastics spread via players and operating vehicles, but that the spread regardless of weather can be prevented, provided that players as well as operating vehicles brush away all microplastics before leaving the facility. Recommendations for facility owners who are in the position to build are to follow the Swedish Football Association's recommendations for construction. Dispersion prevention measures that have been identified and which are important in minimizing microplastics dispersal from artificial turf are; 1) Operating staff brushes/blows off vehicles and implements from granules and artificial grass after each operation, and that operating tools are left at the field. a. Artificial turf should be brushed 1-2 times a week and in dry weather, according to the Swedish Football Association's education programs. 2) Fence around the field and that the brush station (-s) are installed at entrances /exits and supplemented with info signs 3) Granule traps and / or filters are inserted into stormwater wells and maintained 4) Open water wells should be minimized and, if possible, completely avoided 5) Strategically designated surface for snow - the snow should preferably not leave the field, but if so, it should be shielded and prevented from spreading outside the fence of the field The dispersion prevention measures mentioned above can also be applied to existing plants to the extent that it is deemed necessary and possible.

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