We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Estimation of microplastic emission and transfer into Tokyo Bay, Japan, using material flow analysis
AI summary Read the abstract
Material flow analysis of the Tokyo Bay watershed estimated that tire-wear particles alone contribute 1,500–1,800 tonnes of microplastics annually, dwarfing emissions from personal care products (~10 tonnes) and textile fibers (~38 tonnes). The findings highlight road runoff as the dominant MP source for coastal urban areas and underscore the need for stormwater management to curb plastic pollution.
To reduce microplastic (MP) discharge into the aquatic environment, it is necessary to properly identify its sources and amounts. Here, specific MP sources, i.e., personal care products (PCPs), fibers from clothes, and tire-wear particles (TWPs) were focused, and MP generations from these sources in the Tokyo Bay watershed, Japan, were estimated based on statistical data on production and reported emission factors of the MP sources and executing considering uncertainty on the data. Potential annual MP emission into Tokyo Bay was estimated to be 10.2 ± 1.6, 38 ± 22, and 1500-1800 tons for PCPs, fibers, and TWPs, respectively. Emissions into Tokyo Bay by assuming MP density and diameter was estimated. For fiber, the fraction to potential emission was estimated at 1.0-2.8 %. This study contributes to determining potential discharge pathways. This will assist in the application of appropriate measures to reduce MP discharge into water bodies.
More Papers Like This
Swedish sources and pathways for microplastics to the marine environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed Swedish sources and transport pathways of microplastics to the marine environment, identifying road tire wear and abrasion as the dominant emission source at approximately 13,000 tonnes per year, with stormwater, wastewater, and atmospheric deposition as primary pathways to aquatic systems.
An estimation of tire and road wear particles emissions in surface water based on a conceptual framework
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a conceptual framework to estimate emissions of tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) into surface water, identifying them as a dominant source of microplastic contamination in freshwater environments globally.
Tire Abrasion as a Major Source of Microplastics in the Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This study analyzed tire wear particles as a major source of microplastics in the environment, estimating that tire abrasion contributes a substantial fraction of total microplastic emissions globally and highlighting road runoff as a key delivery pathway to waterways.
Dynamic probabilistic material flow analysis of rubber release from tires into the environment
AI summary Read the abstract
A dynamic material flow analysis model estimated the annual and cumulative release of rubber from vehicle tires into the environment via road wear, finding that tire rubber represents a substantial fraction of total microplastic pollution in terrestrial and aquatic systems. The study helps quantify this important but often overlooked microplastic source.
Quantifying annual microplastic emissions of an urban catchment: Surface runoff vs wastewater sources
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured the total annual microplastic emissions from an urban river catchment in Japan and compared contributions from wastewater treatment plants versus surface runoff. They found that the catchment released about 269 tons of microplastics per year, with wastewater being the dominant source for smaller particles and surface runoff contributing more larger particles. The study provides one of the first comprehensive annual budgets of urban microplastic emissions, highlighting the scale of the problem.
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.