We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Impact of tire particle leachates on microplankton communities in the Canary Islands
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the effects of chemical leachates from tire wear particles on marine microplankton communities from the Canary Islands. They found that the leachates significantly reduced populations of diatoms, dinoflagellates, and ciliates, while one harmful algal bloom species showed relatively high tolerance. The findings suggest that tire-derived microplastic pollution in coastal waters may shift plankton community composition in ways that could promote harmful algal blooms.
Tire wear particles (TWP) are a major source of microplastics in the environment. Despite their prevalence, the effects of tire particle leachates on marine microplankton communities remains poorly understood. In this study, we assessed the acute impacts of tire particle leachates on the structure of coastal microplankton assemblages from the Canary Islands. Five laboratory experiments were conducted, exposing microplankton to a range of leachate dilutions over 72 h, with TWP leachates prepared from an initial concentration of 1 g L⁻¹ .Our results revealed that the abundances of diatoms, most dinoflagellates, and ciliates were significantly reduced following exposure to leachates, with median effective concentrations (EC) ranging from 30 to 660 mg L depending on the plankton community. Interestingly, Ostreopsis cf. ovata, a harmful algal bloom (HAB)-forming species, exhibited relatively high tolerance to tire particle leachates compared to other microplankton. Compared to other marine biota, ciliates appear to be most vulnerable plankton group to tire particle leachates (EC = 30 and 146 mg L). The higher tolerance of O. cf. ovata to pollution compared to other phytoplankton species (resource competitors), in combination with other factors, may contribute to the rise of HABs in polluted coastal areas. Although field data on TWP are limited, the observed negative effects on microplankton occurred at environmentally relevant concentrations. Our results indicate that TWP pollution can significantly impact marine planktonic communities, highlighting the urgent need to reduce TWP emissions and develop less toxic tire rubber additives.
More Papers Like This
Impact of Tire Wear Leachates on Phytoplankton Communities
AI summary Read the abstract
Tire wear particles leaching into seawater were shown to harm phytoplankton communities at environmentally relevant concentrations, affecting both growth and photosynthesis. Tires contribute an estimated half million tonnes of microplastics to marine environments each year, making tire wear a significant and growing source of ocean pollution. These findings raise concerns about the ecological impacts of road runoff on marine primary producers that form the base of ocean food webs.
Toxicity of tyre wear particle leachates to marine phytoplankton
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the acute toxicity of leachates from tyre wear particles on three marine phytoplankton species. The study found that chemical additives leaching from tyre wear particles were toxic to all three species at varying concentrations, with the cryptophyte Rhodomonas salina being the most sensitive, indicating that tyre-derived microplastics pose a risk to the base of marine food webs.
Tire wear particles in different water environments: occurrence, behavior, and biological effects—a review and perspectives
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Leachable Additives of Tire Particles Explain the Shift in Microbial Community Composition and Function in Coastal Sediments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that tire particles deposited in coastal zones can significantly alter microbial communities in sediments, disrupting key nutrient cycling processes including carbon fixation and nitrogen cycling. The study showed that chemical additives leaching from tire particles, rather than the particles themselves, were responsible for over 90% of the changes in microbial community structure. These findings highlight how tire-derived microplastics can harm coastal ecosystems through the chemicals they release.
Tire microplastic particles and warming inhibit physiological functions of the toxic microalga Alexandrium pacificum
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers studied how tire-derived microplastic particles affect a toxic marine algae species under normal and warmed water conditions. They found that low concentrations slightly promoted algal growth, while high concentrations inhibited it, and warming made these negative effects worse. The study suggests that the combination of tire microplastics and rising ocean temperatures could disrupt marine ecosystems in compounding ways.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.