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Toxicity of tire particle leachates on early life stages of keystone sea urchin species
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Chemical leachates from tire particles caused developmental abnormalities, stunted growth, and death in the larvae of three species of sea urchins, which are important species in marine ecosystems. The toxic effects were strongly dose-dependent, and zinc along with other metals and organic chemicals were identified as likely culprits. Since tire particles are one of the largest sources of microplastic pollution, this study highlights how the chemicals they release can harm marine life at the base of the food web.
Particles from tires are a major fraction of microplastic pollution. They contain a wide range of chemical additives that can leach into the water and be harmful to aquatic organisms. In this study, we investigated the acute toxicity of tire particle leachates in early life stages of three keystone echinoderm species (Paracentrotus lividus, Arbacia lixula, Diadema africanum). Embryos were exposed for 72 h to a range of leachate dilutions, prepared using a concentration of 1 g L-1. Larval growth, abnormal development, and mortality were the measured endpoints. Furthermore, we estimated the activity of glutathione S transferase (GST) and the electron transport system (ETS) in P. lividus. Strong concentration-dependent responses were observed in all species, though with differing sensitivity. The median effect concentrations for abnormal development in P. lividus and A. lixula were 0.16 and 0.35 g L-1, respectively. In D. africanum, mortality overshadowed abnormal development and the median lethal concentration was 0.46 g L-1. Larvae of P. lividus were significantly smaller than the control from 0.125 g L-1, while the other two species were affected from 0.5 g L-1. ETS activity did not change but there was a non-significant trend of increasing GST activity with leachate concentration in P. lividus. Seven organic chemicals and eight metals were detected at elevated concentrations in the leachates. While we regard zinc as a strong candidate to explain some of the observed toxicity, it can be expected that tire particle leachates exhibit a cocktail effect and other leached additives may also contribute to their toxicity. Our results emphasize the importance of multi-species studies as they differ in their susceptibility to tire particle pollution. We found negative effects at concentrations close to projections in the environment, which calls for more research and mitigation actions on these pollutants.
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Sensitivity of sea urchin larvae to car tire leachates
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Sea urchin larvae were exposed to leachates from car tire particles and showed significant harm to their development, even at concentrations that might occur in coastal marine environments. Tire wear is a major contributor to microplastic pollution and releases a complex mixture of chemicals including heavy metals and rubber additives. The findings suggest that even without physically ingesting tire particles, marine organisms near roads and stormwater outfalls could be harmed by the chemicals that wash off them.
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.
Lethal effect of leachates from tyre wear particles on marine copepods
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Researchers tested the toxicity of chemical leachates from tire wear particles on five species of marine copepods, tiny crustaceans that are essential to ocean food webs. They found that all species experienced lethal effects, with some being far more sensitive than others, and identified zinc as a key toxic component. The study suggests that the chemicals leaching from tire wear particles in marine environments pose a serious threat to small but ecologically critical organisms.
Acute toxicity of tire wear particles, leachates and toxicity identification evaluation of leachates to the marine copepod, Tigriopus japonicus
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Researchers tested the toxicity of tire wear particles and their chemical leachates on a marine copepod species and found that both caused significant harm at measurable concentrations. They used toxicity identification methods to determine that metals, specifically zinc, were the primary toxic component in the leachate. The findings highlight that tire wear particles are a concerning source of microplastic and chemical pollution in coastal marine environments.
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.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.