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Tire wear nanoparticles induce systemic metabolic disruptions and heavy metal accumulation in spinach
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Tiny particles worn off from car tires can get absorbed into spinach through both its roots and leaves, and new research shows these particles aren't harmless, they stunt plant growth and cause toxic metals like lead and cadmium to build up in the edible leaves. Since tire dust is everywhere in soil and air near roads, this raises real concerns about whether the leafy greens we eat could be carrying these contaminants into our diets.
Tire wear nanoparticles (TWPs) pose an emerging environmental concern in agricultural systems. In this study, TWPs were characterized using dynamic light scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, revealing predominantly submicron particles (average hydrodynamic diameter 284.6 nm), irregular morphology, and complex composition. The ICP analysis confirmed the presence of Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Cd, and As in the TWP matrix. A controlled pot experiment evaluated the effects of soil and foliar-applied TWPs at concentrations of 0.05–0.5 g kg−1 (soil) or g L−1 (foliar) on spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.). Fluorescence microscopy showed internalization of TWPs via both root and leaf pathways. Low soil concentration (0.05 g kg−1) transiently enhanced growth and metabolite accumulation, whereas higher concentrations (≥0.25 g kg−1 or g L−1) significantly reduced biomass, leaf area, photosynthetic traits, and growth indices. Antioxidant responses showed enzyme-specific modulation, with marked induction of peroxidase and catalase at higher TWP levels and variable superoxide dismutase responses depending on the exposure pathway. Metal analysis revealed concentration-dependent accumulation of Zn and non-essential metals, including Pb and Cd, in leaves, particularly at elevated TWP levels. These findings indicate that TWPs can enter plant tissues through both soil and foliar routes, alter morpho-metabolic processes, and promote metal accumulation, posing potential risks to food safety. This study provides a controlled evaluation of tire wear nanoparticles (TWPs) in an edible terrestrial crop by comparing two relevant exposure pathways: soil application, representing rhizosphere-mediated exposure, and foliar application, representing atmospheric deposition on leaf surfaces. Unlike many previous studies that focus mainly on aquatic systems, TWP leachates, or single-response endpoints, this work integrates particle characterization, plant internalization, growth and physiological responses, metabolite regulation, antioxidant activity, and multi-element accumulation in spinach. The findings demonstrate that TWPs are not inert particles but active stressors and multi-metal carriers that induce pathway-specific growth inhibition, metabolic disruption, and metal redistribution in edible plant tissues.
More Papers Like This
Tire wear nanoparticles induce systemic metabolic disruptions and heavy metal accumulation in spinach
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny particles from worn-down tires can get absorbed by spinach plants through both their roots and leaves, and this new study found that higher levels of these particles stunted plant growth while causing toxic metals like lead and cadmium to build up in the leaves we'd eat. Since tire dust from roads regularly ends up in soil and dust that settles on crops, this research raises concerns that produce grown near roadways could carry these unwanted heavy metals, making it an important food safety issue to watch as scientists learn more.
Tire wear nanoparticles induce systemic metabolic disruptions and heavy metal accumulation in spinach
AI summary Read the abstract
Tiny particles worn off car tires can end up in soil and get absorbed into spinach through both its roots and leaves, according to new research. At higher exposure levels, these tire particles stunted the plants' growth and caused them to soak up more toxic heavy metals like lead and cadmium into their leaves, meaning the leafy greens you eat could potentially carry contamination from road traffic pollution. While this study was done in a controlled pot experiment rather than real farm fields, it raises concerns about a previously overlooked way that everyday plastic pollution might be entering our food supply.
Tire wear particles impact a roadside wild plant species
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Tiny bits of rubber that flake off tires as you drive don't just wash away harmlessly, new research shows they stunt the growth of roadside plants and cause stress damage in their roots. While this study looked at a weed species rather than food crops, it's a reminder that tire particles are quietly building up in the green spaces around us (parks, roadside plants, etc.), raising questions about broader impacts on urban ecosystems and, potentially, the food chain over time.
Root and foliar uptake, bidirectional translocation, subcellular distribution, and metabolism of tire wear particle-derived p-phenylenediamines and their quinones in Chinese cabbage and bok choy.
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Researchers investigated how tire wear particle-derived chemicals (p-phenylenediamines and their quinones) are absorbed, translocated, and metabolized in leafy vegetables through both root and foliar uptake. These compounds accumulated in edible plant tissues and were subject to biotransformation, raising concerns about dietary exposure through fresh produce grown near roads.
Uptake of tire-derived compounds in lettuce under realistic growing conditions
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Researchers grew lettuce under realistic agricultural conditions and measured uptake of tire-derived compounds including 6PPD-quinone and benzothiazole, finding detectable concentrations in plant tissues and raising food safety concerns about tire wear particle contamination in agricultural soils.
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