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Assessing the bioaccumulation and toxicity of tire wear particles on the estuarine bivalve Scrobicularia plana
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Tiny bits of worn-down tire rubber that wash into rivers and estuaries can build up inside clams and other shellfish, according to this study, and may cause stress or harm to these animals. Since these clams are part of the food chain (and some, like this species, are eaten by people), this research raises questions about whether tire particle pollution could eventually make its way onto our plates through seafood.
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Environmentally relevant concentrations of tyre particles cause toxicity in estuarine invertebrates
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Researchers exposed estuarine organisms to environmentally relevant concentrations of tire particles and measured toxicity endpoints including survival, reproduction, and behavior. Tire particles caused significant adverse effects at concentrations already found in some urban estuaries, suggesting current environmental levels pose ecological risks.
Tyre particle exposure affects the health of two key estuarine invertebrates
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Researchers found that tyre wear particles in sediment affected the health of two estuarine invertebrates, with clams consuming 25 times more particles than ragworms and showing impacts on feeding, burial rates, and energy reserves at multiple concentrations.
The Toxicity of Tire Wear Particles and Their Leachates on Digestion and Gut Microbiota of Mytilus coruscus
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Tiny bits of tire rubber that wash into the ocean—along with the chemicals that leach out of them—harmed mussels by causing cell damage, disrupting digestion, and throwing off the balance of healthy gut bacteria, with the actual particles causing more harm than the chemicals alone. Since mussels and other shellfish are commonly eaten by humans, this research is an early warning sign that tire pollution in our waterways could work its way into our food and potentially affect our own digestive health.
Environmentally relevant concentrations of tyre particles cause toxicity in estuarine invertebrates
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Researchers tested the toxicity of tire particles at environmentally relevant concentrations on estuarine species, finding that current environmental levels are sufficient to cause harm. The study identified the most sensitive species and life stages and highlighted tire particles as a priority microplastic source for regulatory attention.
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.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.