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Transport of Traffic-Related Microplastic Particles in Receiving Water

Green energy and technology 2018 14 citations

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Traffic-generated microplastic particles, primarily from tire wear and road markings, are transported via stormwater runoff into urban waterways and ultimately marine environments, making roads a significant but underappreciated land-based source of ocean microplastic pollution. Quantifying this transport pathway is essential for developing effective urban stormwater management strategies to reduce microplastic loads in receiving waters.

A majority of microplastic particles (MPs) in marine waters are transported with rivers from land-based sources. Traffic is estimated to be one of the largest sources of MPs, hence stormwater and subsequently urban waterways are expected to be important...

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