Microplastics from degradation of tires in sewer networks of the city of Riobamba, Ecuador

Microplastics are small synthetic particles that come from petroleum derivatives, are difficult to degrade and their origin is found in industrial activity and domestic consumption, even in tires. The presence of small particles (0.1 μm to < 5 mm) of plasticizer Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and synthetic rubber, which due to their size and origin are called microplastics. The friction occurs between the asphalt in contact with the tires of cars generate the detachment of small residues of it, these residues come to contain a DEHP element. Simple residual water samples were carried out in the different sewage collectors in Riobamba city, 250 mL of each of these samples were filtered using vacuum suction equipment, to then examine the filters with a visual microscope. Obtaining as a result that 80% of the samples taken and analyzed in the laboratory contain the clear presence of DEHP plasticizer from the friction of tires (confirmed by the Principal Component Analysis) with the asphalting of the streets of the city of Riobamba, and that only 20% of the samples analyzed do not present DEHP plasticizer of this type, generating a medium risk for the health of humans and aquatic animals in the sector.