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Toxicity of two different size classes of tire particles from mixed end-of-life car tires to the springtail Sinella curviseta
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Researchers tested two size classes of tire particles on springtails, small soil-dwelling organisms, and found that while both sizes affected reproduction, the smaller particles caused more severe growth reductions. The tire particles released zinc into the soil, but the measured zinc levels alone did not fully explain the toxicity observed. The study suggests that tire wear particles harm soil organisms through a combination of chemical leaching and other particle-related effects.
Tire particles (TPs) are one of the biggest contributors to microplastic pollution, with reported soil concentrations exceeding 1 % close to busy roads. Little research has been done on the impact of TPs on soil organisms. In this study, two size classes of tire particles, 0-75 μm and 75-180 μm, were compared to determine if size does influence their toxicity to the springtail Sinella curviseta. Adult springtails were exposed for three weeks to TPs spiked in LUFA 2.2 natural soil at concentrations between 0.0016 % and 4 % (w/w). TP addition caused an increase of soil pH at the two highest concentrations, and a dose-related increase of soil Zn concentrations, which were higher for the larger TPs. Available (0.01 M CaCl extractable) Zn concentrations also increased, but were far below toxic levels in all cases. Springtail survival was not affected, but reproduction was decreased by 59 % and 39 % at the highest concentration (4 %) compared to the control for the 0-75 μm and 75-180 μm classes, respectively. ECs were 3.50 % TPs in soil for the 0-75 μm class and 6.36 % TPs for the 75-180 μm class, and differed significantly between the two size classes (χ > 3.84, p < 0.05). These results suggest that smaller sized tire particles (0-75 μm) are more toxic to S. curviseta than larger ones (75-180 μm). It may also be concluded that long-term exposure to tire particles may threaten springtail populations at the highest concentrations currently found near roadsides.
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Exploring the impacts of microplastics and associated chemicals in the terrestrial environment – Exposure of soil invertebrates to tire particles
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Researchers exposed three species of soil invertebrates to ground-up tire particles and found that at concentrations similar to those found near roadsides, the particles reduced reproduction and survival in springtails and suppressed enzyme activity in woodlice. The tire particles contained high levels of zinc and various organic pollutants. The study suggests that tire wear microplastics, one of the largest sources of environmental microplastic, can have measurable harmful effects on soil-dwelling organisms.
Toxicity of tire wear particles and the leachates to microorganisms in marine sediments
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Researchers investigated the toxicity of tire wear particles and their chemical leachates on bacteria in marine sediments. The study found that aged tire wear particles were more toxic than pristine ones, and that leachates were even more harmful than the particles themselves, with zinc identified as the primary toxicity-causing substance.
Toxicity assessment of tire particles released from personal mobilities (bicycles, cars, and electric scooters) on soil organisms
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Researchers assessed the toxicity of tire particles from bicycles, cars, and electric scooters on plants and springtails over 28 days. The laboratory-generated tire particles exhibited adverse effects that varied depending on the tire type and test species. The study highlights that tire wear particles from personal mobility devices are a significant source of microplastic contamination in soil environments with measurable ecological impacts.
Ecotoxicological effects of micronized car tire wear particles and their heavy metals on the earthworm (Eisenia fetida) in soil
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Researchers exposed earthworms to microplastics from ground-up car tires at various concentrations and sizes over 14 and 28 days. They found that the worms preferentially consumed smaller particles, which led to increased heavy metal accumulation and significant signs of oxidative stress at higher concentrations. The study highlights that tire-derived microplastics in soil can harm terrestrial organisms through both physical ingestion and the release of associated toxic metals.
Lethal effect of leachates from tyre wear particles on marine copepods
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Researchers tested the toxicity of chemical leachates from tire wear particles on five species of marine copepods, tiny crustaceans that are essential to ocean food webs. They found that all species experienced lethal effects, with some being far more sensitive than others, and identified zinc as a key toxic component. The study suggests that the chemicals leaching from tire wear particles in marine environments pose a serious threat to small but ecologically critical organisms.
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