We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A parametrized and regionalized TRWP inventory model for LCA
Summary
This study developed a parametrized and regionalized inventory model for tire and road wear particles for use in life cycle assessment, addressing the limitations of current emission factor estimates that do not capture regional differences in vehicle use and road conditions. The model provides more accurate and geographically resolved TRWP emission estimates for environmental impact accounting.
Tire and Road Wear Particles (TRWPs), comprising degraded rubber, minerals, and road dust, are a significant global source of microplastics. Recognizing potential hazards to ecosystems and human health, this research addresses the limitations of current TRWP emission estimates. These estimates rely on emission factors (EFs) indicating the mass of tire wear emitted per unit of activity which may be outdated and lack geographical applicability. In addition, they overlook critical parameters such as tire type, vehicle characteristics, road surface and driving styles influencing emissions. This study aims to improve the TRWP emissions inventory by incorporating these parameters, yielding context-specificity and reliable estimates. A bottom-up approach integrating regional traffic activity rates with vehicle-specific EFs is employed. Initially, default EF values for 18 vehicle types and particle sizes were updated based on an extensive literature review. Eight (8) key parameters encompassing road texture, driving behavior, speed, pavement type, carried load, ambient temperature, road wetness, and driving environment, were then incorporated into the model as multiplier factors for the default EFs. Additionally, three regional archetypes, representing average Europe, Nordic, and less developed regions, were introduced to capture geographical variations covering 40 countries. A sensitivity analysis under urban driving conditions revealed the relative impacts of influencing parameters, supporting prioritization for future investigations. Specifically, it was found that harsh road texture could triple large particle emissions, while highway driving reduces emissions of both large and fine particles compared to urban driving. This parametrized and regionalized approach offers a comprehensive understanding of global TRWP emissions, capturing diverse scenarios. While data limitations exist, the model is designed for continuous refinement as additional data becomes available. These results can be used in future Life Cycle Inventories and Impact Assessments, particularly in assessing the magnitude of TRWP impacts in comparison to other road transport impacts. Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559201/document
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
A parametrized and regionalized TRWP inventory model for LCA
This study developed a parametrized and regionalized inventory model for tire and road wear particle emissions for use in life cycle assessment, improving on existing models that use generic emission factors that do not capture regional differences in vehicle fleets and road types. The model enables more geographically accurate TRWP emission estimates for inclusion in environmental footprint calculations.
Development of a parametrized and regionalized life cycle inventory model for tire and road wear particles
Researchers developed a detailed model for estimating tire and road wear particle emissions, a major but often overlooked source of microplastics from vehicle traffic. The model accounts for nine key factors including road texture, driving behavior, temperature, and tire type, and can generate estimates at both individual vehicle and national scales. The study found that road surface roughness, aggressive driving, and wet conditions are the biggest drivers of large particle emissions, while temperature and vehicle load most affect fine particle release.
Quantification and mapping of tyre wear emissions: from EU regional analysis to global projections
Researchers quantified and mapped tyre wear particle emissions across EU member states and developed global projections, finding substantial discrepancies in per capita emission estimates across different national methodologies and providing guidance for optimizing future emission estimations.
Shades of grey—tire characteristics and road surface influence tire and road wear particle (TRWP) abundance and physicochemical properties
A suite of experiments characterized how tire type, compound, and road surface properties influence tire and road wear particle (TRWP) size, morphology, and emission rates, finding significant variation across tire and road combinations relevant to predicting environmental exposure.
Realistic evaluation of tire wear particle emissions and their driving factors on different road types
This study measured tire wear particle (TWP) emissions under realistic driving conditions on different road types and identified the key driving factors affecting emission rates. Tire wear particles are a major category of microplastic pollution in road runoff, and this data is needed to estimate their contribution to environmental contamination.