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Cocktail effects of tire wear particles leachates on diverse biological models: A multilevel analysis
Summary
Tire wear particles, a major but underappreciated source of microplastic pollution, leached chemicals into seawater that inhibited algae growth, caused developmental problems in zebrafish embryos, and showed hormone-disrupting effects in cell tests. The study found that water-soluble organic compounds from tires -- not just heavy metals like zinc -- were the primary drivers of toxicity, underscoring the need for better regulation of tire additives.
Tire wear particles (TWP) stand out as a major contributor to microplastic pollution, yet their environmental impact remains inadequately understood. This study delves into the cocktail effects of TWP leachates, employing molecular, cellular, and organismal assessments on diverse biological models. Extracted in artificial seawater and analyzed for metals and organic compounds, TWP leachates revealed the presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and 4-tert-octylphenol. Exposure to TWP leachates (1.5 to 1000 mg peq L-1) inhibited algae growth and induced zebrafish embryotoxicity, pigment alterations, and behavioral changes. Cell painting uncovered pro-apoptotic changes, while mechanism-specific gene-reporter assays highlighted endocrine-disrupting potential, particularly antiandrogenic effects. Although heavy metals like zinc have been suggested as major players in TWP leachate toxicity, this study emphasizes water-leachable organic compounds as the primary causative agents of observed acute toxicity. The findings underscore the need to reduce TWP pollution in aquatic systems and enhance regulations governing highly toxic tire additives.