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Evaluation of tire tread particle toxicity to fish using rainbow trout cell lines
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Researchers tested how tire and road wear particles — tiny fragments shed from vehicle tires — affect fish cells representing gill and intestinal tissue. They found toxicity was mainly driven by chemicals leaching out of the particles, including zinc and several rubber additives, with digestion conditions increasing how much of these chemicals were released.
Tire and road wear particles (TRWP) resulting from tire abrasion while driving raise concerns due to their potential contribution to aquatic toxicity. Our study aimed to assess cryogenically milled tire tread (CMTT) particle toxicity, used as a proxy for TRWP, and associated chemicals to fish using two Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) cell lines representing the gill (RTgill-W1) and the intestinal (RTgutGC) epithelium. CMTT toxicity was evaluated through several exposure pathways, including direct contact, leaching, and digestion, while also assessing the impact of particle aging. Following OECD TG249, cell viability was assessed after 24 h acute exposure using a multiple-endpoint assay indicative of cell metabolic activity, membrane integrity and lysosome integrity. In vitro EC50 values for the fish cell lines exceeded river TRWP concentrations (2.02 g/L and 4.65 g/L for RTgill-W1 and RTgutGC cell lines, respectively), and were similar to in vivo LC50 values estimated at 6 g/L. Although toxicity was mainly driven by the leaching of tire-associated chemicals, the presence of the particles contributed to the overall toxicity by inducing a continuous leaching, highlighting the importance of considering combined exposure scenarios. Aging and digestion conditions were also found to mediate CMTT toxicity. Thermooxidation resulted in a decreased chemical leaching and toxicity, while in vitro digestion under mimicked gastrointestinal conditions increased leaching and toxicity. Specific chemicals, especially Zn, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, 1,3-diphenylguanidine, and N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) were identified as contributors to the overall toxicity. Although 6PPD-quinone was detected in CMTT digestate, cytotoxicity assays with RTgill-W1 and RTgutGC cell lines showed no toxicity up to 6 mg/L, supporting the notion of a specific mode of action of this chemical. This study provides insights into the toxicological mechanisms induced by tire particles and their associated chemicals and can help in the evaluation of potential risks to aquatic life associated with TRWP.
More Papers Like This
In vitro acute toxicity assessment of tire tread particles using rainbow trout cell lines of gill and intestine
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Researchers tested the toxicity of tire and road wear particles (TRWP) on rainbow trout gill and intestine cells in a lab setting. TRWP extract was toxic to both cell types at higher concentrations, suggesting these particles — a major component of microplastic pollution in roads and stormwater — pose a threat to aquatic life. Tire wear particles enter waterways through rain runoff and are a significant but underregulated source of aquatic contamination.
Bioaccessibility of Organic Compounds Associated with Tire Particles Using a Fish In Vitro Digestive Model: Solubilization Kinetics and Effects of Food Coingestion.
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Researchers used a fish gastrointestinal model to test the bioaccessibility of toxic organic chemicals associated with tire and road wear particles (TRWPs). They found that several compounds including benzothiazoles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were released from tire particles under simulated digestive conditions. This suggests that fish consuming TRWPs could be exposed to meaningful doses of tire-derived chemicals.
In Vitro Digestion of Tire Particles in a Fish Model (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Solubilization Kinetics of Heavy Metals and Effects of Food Coingestion.
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This study found that fish gastrointestinal fluids greatly enhance the release of zinc from tire and road wear particles compared to plain water, with 9.6-23% of total zinc solubilized during digestion. Coingestion with animal-based food reduced zinc availability while coingestion with plant-based food increased it, suggesting food type matters when assessing metal exposure from tire particle ingestion.
Comparative toxicity of tire wear particle leachates: Zinc as a key toxicant affecting development and motility in zebrafish larvae
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Researchers compared the toxicity of leachates from tire wear particles with different treadwear grades on zebrafish larvae, finding that zinc was the primary toxicant responsible for developmental impairment and reduced motility across all treadwear grades tested.
Toxicity of tire wear particles and the leachates to microorganisms in marine sediments
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Researchers investigated the toxicity of tire wear particles and their chemical leachates on bacteria in marine sediments. The study found that aged tire wear particles were more toxic than pristine ones, and that leachates were even more harmful than the particles themselves, with zinc identified as the primary toxicity-causing substance.
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