Estimation of Tire Wear Dust Emissions and Aquatic Influx in South Korea

Tire particles account for a high proportion of emitted microplastics, and the quantity is increasing with an increase in the production of vehicles and tires. Such tire particles are present not only in roadsides, rainwater inlets, and sewage treatment facilities, but also in mud flats. Tire particles are introduced into water environment through the atmosphere and rainwater. In this study, the inflow of tire particles to water environment in Korea based on district was estimated using statistical data on roads and sewage management areas and previous studies. In addition, the quantity of tire particles generated by each type of vehicle and the ratio of the inflow of the generated tire particles to water environment based on the district and type of road and vehicle were reviewed. The results revealed that the quantity of tire particles generated in Korea was 49,995 t per year, and the quantity of tire particles generated based on the vehicle type was in the order of heavyweight truck > bus > passenger car > lightweight truck. In addition, the quantity of tire particles discharged to the atmosphere was 50-4,999 tonnes per year, and the quantity of tire particles retained on the ground surface was 44,995- 49,945 tonnes per year. Furthermore, the quantity of tire particles introduced to water environment was 12,897-24,241 tonnes per year, and the inflow to water based on the road type was in the order of other roads > national road > highway.