We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Quantification and characterization of additives, plasticizers, and small microplastics (5–100 μm) in highway stormwater runoff
Summary
Small microplastics (5-100 micrometers), plastic additives, and plasticizers were quantified in highway stormwater runoff samples using micro-FTIR and optimized extraction protocols. Small microplastics dominated by number, with rubber fragments and tire-wear particles prominent, and concentrations varied significantly between rainfall events based on road traffic intensity and antecedent dry period.
Highway stormwater (HSW) runoff is a significant pathway for transferring microplastics from land-based sources to the other surrounding environmental compartments. Small microplastics (SMPs, 5-100 μm), additives, plasticizers, natural, and nonplastic synthetic fibers, together with other components of micro-litter (APFs), were assessed in HSW samples via Micro-FTIR; oleo-extraction and purification procedures previously developed were optimized to accomplish this goal. The distribution of SMPs and APFs observed in distinct HSW runoff varied significantly since rainfall events may play a crucial role in the concentration and distribution of these pollutants. The SMPs' abundance varied from 11932 ± 151 to 18966 ± 191 SMPs/L. The dominating polymers were vinyl ester (VE), polyamide 6 (PA6), fluorocarbon, and polyester (PES). The APFs' concentrations ranged from 12825 ± 157 to 96425 ± 430 APFs/L. Most APFs originated from vehicle and tire wear (e.g., Dioctyl adipate or 5-Methyl-1H-benzotriazole). Other sources of these pollutants might be pipes, highway signs, packaging from garbage debris, road marking paints, atmospheric deposition, and other inputs. Assessing SMPs in HSW runoff can help evaluating the potential threat they may represent to receiving water bodies and air compartments. Besides, APFs in HSW runoff may be efficient proxies of macro- and microplastic pollution.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Quantification and Chemical Characterization of Plastic Additives and Small Microplastics (<100 μm) in Highway Road Dust
Researchers quantified small microplastics (under 100 micrometers) and plastic additives in highway road dust samples using micro-FTIR analysis. The study found significant concentrations of small microplastics across sampling sites, highlighting road dust as an important but often overlooked source of microplastic contamination that can become airborne or wash into waterways via stormwater runoff.
From the highway to receiving water bodies: identification and simultaneous quantification of small microplastics (< 100 µm) in highway stormwater runoff
Researchers used micro-FTIR vibrational spectroscopy to simultaneously identify and quantify small microplastics (under 100 µm) in highway stormwater runoff sampled at inlet and outlet points of a filtration facility in Italy. Inlet concentrations reached up to 39,813 SMPs/L with polyamide 6 and HDPE dominating, and the treatment system reduced concentrations substantially, though significant microplastic loads still discharged to the receiving water body.
Identification and quantification of tire wear particles by employing different cross-validation techniques: FTIR-ATR Micro-FTIR, Pyr-GC/MS, and SEM
Researchers developed and cross-validated methods using FTIR-ATR, micro-FTIR, pyrolysis-GC/MS, and scanning electron microscopy to identify and quantify tire wear particles in highway stormwater runoff. The study optimized pretreatment methods to extract tire wear particles without degradation, providing more accurate identification and reducing the risk of underestimating this important source of microplastic pollution.
Small microplastics (<100 μm), plasticizers and additives in seawater and sediments: Oleo-extraction, purification, quantification, and polymer characterization using Micro-FTIR
Small microplastics below 100 micrometers, plasticizers, and plastic additives were simultaneously quantified in seawater and sediments from Italian transitional water bodies using oleo-extraction and micro-FTIR, revealing that sub-100-micrometer particles and chemical additives represent a substantial and understudied component of total microplastic contamination.
Microplastic and tyre wear particles at a highway: a case study from Norway
Researchers characterized microplastics including tyre wear particles across air, road runoff, and road dust near a heavily trafficked Norwegian highway using µFTIR and Py-GC/MS, finding the highest MP concentrations in road dust (up to 4250 counts per square meter) and the highest tyre wear particle concentrations in road dust and road runoff. The results showed that road runoff and road dust better reflected local traffic emissions while airborne MPs were more influenced by atmospheric transport.