4.7 Article

Quantifying the release of tyre wear particles to the marine environment via multiple pathways

Journal

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
Volume 172, Issue -, Pages -

Publisher

PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112897

Keywords

Tyre wear; Vehicle emissions; Microplastics; Surface runoff; Atmospheric deposition; Wastewater treatment; Marine pollution

Funding

  1. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK Government [ME5435]

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Desk-based studies have shown that tyre wear particles contribute significantly to microplastic emissions in the environment. Empirical studies revealed the presence of benzothiazole, a molecular marker for tyres, in samples collected from different pathways to the marine environment. Laboratory tests suggested that larger particles tend to settle near their entry points, while smaller particles have the potential for longer-range transport and dispersal.
Desk-based studies have suggested tyre wear particles contribute a substantial portion of microplastic emissions to the environment, yet few empirical studies report finding tyre wear. Samples were collected from three pathways to the marine environment: atmospheric deposition, treated wastewater effluent, and untreated surface runoff. Pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to detect benzothiazole, a molecular marker for tyres. Benzothiazole was detected in each pathway, emitting tyre wear in addition to other sources of microplastics. Release via surface water drainage was the principle pathway in the regions examined. Laboratory tests indicated larger particles likely settle close to their entry points, whereas smaller particles have potential for longer-range transport and dispersal. The previous lack of reports are likely a consequence of inadequate methods of detection, rather than a low environmental presence. Further work is required to establish distribution, transport potential, and potential impacts once within the marine environment.

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