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Low-noise and pollutant-reducing asphalt mixtures
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Researchers are developing asphalt road surfaces designed to reduce both traffic noise and pollution, evaluating mixtures that include photocatalytic materials to break down air pollutants and porous structures capable of trapping tire and road wear particles — tiny plastic-containing fragments that are a significant but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution in cities.
Transport is the main cause of noise and air pollution in cities, as well as the main source of non-exhaust pollutants, like tire and road wear particles. To reduce these pollutants, an integrated solution is being developed for both urban and peri-urban roads. Two road surfaces with improved functional properties are being designed based on the different technical requirements that are needed in each case due to the different types of vehicles, speeds and runoff collection management. The main objective in the design of the new mixtures is to optimize noise reduction without compromising their rolling resistance and good mechanical performance. Additionally, the use of photocatalytic materials in the asphalt mixtures and their ability to collect and store microplastics within their pore network are also evaluated.
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This study developed laboratory methods to measure how much microplastic is shed by asphalt pavement made with recycled plastic, filling an important knowledge gap as recycled-plastic roads are promoted as a sustainability solution. The research raises the concern that pavements incorporating waste plastic could become a previously unrecognized source of microplastic pollution over their service life.
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This study tested whether encapsulating waste plastic material into asphalt for road pavement reduces environmental release of micro- and nanoplastics compared to conventional asphalt. The results suggest that this approach can reduce plastic fragment release into the environment while providing a practical use for plastic waste in road infrastructure.
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Lab-made asphalt mixed with recycled plastic was tested under conditions mimicking long-term wear, then checked for microplastic release. Both the recycled-plastic asphalt and regular control asphalt showed similar particle contamination, making it unclear whether the recycled plastic itself released microplastics.
Is road pavement wear a source of microplastics in stormwater runoff?
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This study investigated whether road pavement wear is a measurable source of microplastics in stormwater runoff, distinct from the better-characterized tire wear contribution. Pavement-derived particles were identified in stormwater samples, confirming that road surface material itself contributes to microplastic loading in urban runoff alongside tire wear and other sources.
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.