Combined and Individual Effects of Tire Wear Particles and Microplastic Fibers on Growth and Oxidative Stress in the Earthworm Eisenia fetida

Summary

Scientists exposed earthworms to tiny bits of tire debris and plastic fibers, the kind that wash off roads and synthetic clothing into soil, and found these pollutants stunted the worms' growth and caused cellular stress, especially when combined. Since earthworms are essential for healthy soil that grows our food, this research is an early warning sign that these common pollutants could be quietly disrupting the ecosystems we depend on, even though the direct impact on humans isn't yet fully understood.