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Microplastics and tire wear particles in aquatic environment: A comparative review on generation, characteristics and environmental behavior
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Tiny bits of rubber worn off from car tires are actually one of the biggest sources of microplastic pollution in our water, yet they've gotten far less scientific attention than plastic microplastics from bottles and packaging. This review paper — which summarizes existing research rather than presenting new experiments — shows that tire particles behave differently, potentially leaching different chemicals and carrying pollutants in unique ways, meaning the safety testing methods designed for regular microplastics may not fully capture the risks tire particles pose to waterways and, ultimately, human health.
Tire wear particles (TWPs), produced by friction between tire tread and road surface, are one of the largest sources of microplastics (MPs). TWPs and conventional MPs both pose potential threats to the aquatic ecosystems and attract substantial interest. However, current reviews predominantly concentrate on conventional MPs, overlooking the critical distinctions or connections between MPs and TWPs. Here we review the contrasts between the physicochemical properties and environmental behavior of MPs and TWPs. It provides a comprehensive summary of commonly employed laboratory characterization methods for these particles, alongside an analysis of disparities in detection methodologies. Furthermore, the review delves into discrepancies between MPs and TWPs with respect to aging processes, toxic substance leaching, pollutant adsorption/desorption behavior. The diverse environmental factors and their underlying influencing mechanisms are also reviewed in detail. It is evidenced that TWPs exhibits special characteristics in the risks of all MPs types. Fortunately, most of the methodologies for both MPs and TWPs can be referenced or can be mutually optimized. We call for greater attention to the special challenges posed by TWPs and advocate for the establishment of a comprehensive methodological framework based on the well-developed research system for MPs.
More Papers Like This
Tire wear particles in different water environments: occurrence, behavior, and biological effects—a review and perspectives
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This review examines tire wear particles, a major but often overlooked source of microplastics in water environments. Tire particles release toxic chemicals as they break down in water and can harm aquatic organisms, but most research has focused only on the chemical leachate rather than the particles themselves. Since tire wear contributes a large share of total microplastic pollution, understanding its full impact on water ecosystems and the food chain is important for human health.
Tire wear particles in aquatic environments: A systematic review of sources, detection, distribution, and toxicological impacts
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This systematic review examined tire wear particles — a type of microplastic created as tires wear down on roads — as an emerging water pollutant. These particles wash into rivers and oceans through stormwater runoff and contain toxic chemicals that harm aquatic organisms. Since tire wear is one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution, this is relevant to anyone living near roads or consuming seafood.
Review: Micro- and macro-scale transport of tire wear particles in aquatic environments and risk control
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Every time tires wear down on roads, they shed tiny plastic-like particles that eventually wash into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This review pulls together existing research on how these particles settle, travel, and build up in water — a key step in understanding where they end up and how they might affect aquatic life and, potentially, the food and water humans rely on. While it doesn't test new health effects, it lays the groundwork for figuring out how to reduce this widespread but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution.
Environmental occurrence, fate, impact, and potential solution of tire microplastics: Similarities and differences with tire wear particles
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This review examines tire microplastics, one of the most abundant types of microplastics in the environment, which come from tire wear on roads, recycled tire rubber, and tire repair dust. These particles carry a complex mix of chemicals including heavy metals and organic pollutants that can harm aquatic and soil organisms. Since tire microplastics end up in waterways and soil near roads, they represent a significant but often overlooked source of human microplastic exposure.
A review of rubber tyre derived micro- and nanoplastics: fate, impact and risks
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This systematic review examines microplastics generated from rubber tire wear, which are a major but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution. Tire particles spread through air, stormwater, and wastewater to contaminate both land and water. This is an important human health concern because tire-derived microplastics contain toxic chemicals and are found in the air people breathe and the water they drink.
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