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Potential deterioration of chemical water quality due to trace metal adsorption onto tire and road wear particles – Environmentally representative experiments
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Researchers studied how tire and road wear particles affect water quality by adsorbing trace metals from the environment. They found that these particles, which constitute a significant fraction of microplastic emissions, can adsorb metals like zinc and copper from water under realistic environmental conditions. The findings indicate that tire wear particles may worsen chemical water quality in surface waters by acting as carriers and concentrators of toxic metals.
Tire wear particles are an increasing issue in particle emissions to the environment. Germany-wide approximately 100,000 t tire wear particles are emitted every year into the environment which are estimated to be one third of the microplastic emissions. Up to 20% are estimated to reach inland surface waters. Their behavior in the aquatic environment is understudied. Tire wear particles have an overly hydrophobic surface that is capable of adsorbing substances like trace elements. In this study we investigated the adsorption and desorption of trace metals onto and from the particle surface of tire-related samples in water samples of the Freiberger Mulde, a river with naturally elevated concentration of trace elements. The priority trace metals Cr, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb show a significant adsorption onto the particle surface of tire-related samples. Tire wear particles themselves revealed adsorption of mainly Ni, Cd and Pb. Regarding the German classification for suspended matter in freshwaters, an endangering of the chemical water quality is expected due to the adsorption process and not due to the particles themselves. Upcoming electromobility is expected to increase the Zn (increased tire abrasion) and decrease the Cu amount (reduced brake abrasion) released to freshwaters.
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Adsorption of emerging micropollutants on tire wear particles
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Researchers examined how tire wear particles (TWP) adsorb two common water pollutants—bisphenol A and 1H-benzotriazole—and how aging processes (photo, chemical, biological) affect that adsorption. TWP showed stronger adsorption of bisphenol A than benzotriazole, and aging altered sorption behavior, highlighting TWP as a significant carrier of micropollutants in aquatic environments.
Investigation of physical and chemical properties of particulate matter caused by vehicle tire wear
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Researchers characterized the physical and chemical properties of submicron tire wear particles generated from vehicle use on roadways. Using advanced analytical techniques, they identified the elemental composition and morphological structure of these particles, finding notable concentrations of metals and heavy metals. The study highlights that tire wear particles are a significant source of microplastic and chemical pollution with potential implications for human health and the environment.
Environmental occurrence, fate, impact, and potential solution of tire microplastics: Similarities and differences with tire wear particles
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This review examines tire microplastics, one of the most abundant types of microplastics in the environment, which come from tire wear on roads, recycled tire rubber, and tire repair dust. These particles carry a complex mix of chemicals including heavy metals and organic pollutants that can harm aquatic and soil organisms. Since tire microplastics end up in waterways and soil near roads, they represent a significant but often overlooked source of human microplastic exposure.
Tire wear particles in different water environments: occurrence, behavior, and biological effects—a review and perspectives
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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.
Tyre additive chemicals, tyre road wear particles and high production polymers in surface water at 5 urban centres in Queensland, Australia.
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Researchers measured tire road wear particles (TRWPs) and tire additive chemicals in surface water from five urban centers in Queensland, Australia. TRWPs were detected in all samples, confirming that tire wear is a significant and widespread source of microplastic and chemical pollution in urban Australian waterways.
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