We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Toxicity of tire rubber-derived pollutants 6PPD-quinone and 4-tert-octylphenol on marine plankton
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested acute toxicity of two tire-rubber pollutants, 6PPD-quinone and 4-tert-octylphenol, on marine plankton and found that while 6PPD-Q primarily harmed echinoderm embryos at low concentrations (EC50 ~7–8 µg/L), 4-tert-octylphenol was broadly toxic across all tested species including microalgae, copepods, and fish embryos.
The impacts of tire wear particles and their associated chemicals on the aquatic systems are a major environmental concern. In this study, we investigated the acute toxicity of two pollutants derived from tire rubber, 6PPD-quinone and 4-tert-octylphenol, on marine plankton. Specifically, we determined the acute effects of these pollutants on various organisms within the plankton food web: the microalgae Rhodomonas salina, the adult copepod Acartia tonsa, and the early life stages of the echinoderms Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus and the fish Sparus aurata. Exposure to 6PPD-quinone did not affect the microalgae growth, copepod survival, or fish embryo viability after 48 h of exposure at concentrations up to 1000 µgL-1. However, 6PPD-quinone significantly inhibited the growth of early developmental stages of both echinoderm species, with median effective concentrations of 7 and 8 µgL-1. Conversely, 4-tert-octylphenol was toxic to all studied organisms, with median lethal and effective concentrations ranging from 21 to 79 µgL-1 depending on the species and endpoints. The most sensitive planktonic organisms to 4-tert-octylphenol were echinoderm embryos and copepods, which exhibited negative effects at concentrations as low as 1 and 25 µgL-1, respectively. Our results demonstrate that acute exposure to 6PPD-quinone and 4-tert-octylphenol can cause harmful effects on key planktonic organisms at environmentally relevant concentrations. Overall, our findings highlight the need for develop ecologically safer tire rubber additives and reduce traffic-related tire particle emissions to mitigate their entry and potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Environmental impact of tire and road wear particle residue on gammarids and potential ecological consequences
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the ecotoxicological effects of tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) on freshwater gammarids, finding toxicity from both physical particle effects and leachable compounds including 6PPD-quinone. Combined chemical and physical exposure produced greater harm than either alone, with implications for stormwater runoff management.
Toxicity of tyre wear particle leachates to marine phytoplankton
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers tested the acute toxicity of leachates from tyre wear particles on three marine phytoplankton species. The study found that chemical additives leaching from tyre wear particles were toxic to all three species at varying concentrations, with the cryptophyte Rhodomonas salina being the most sensitive, indicating that tyre-derived microplastics pose a risk to the base of marine food webs.
Adsorption of the antiozonant by-product of from automobile tires on microplastics in water
AI summary Read the abstract
This Croatian study examined how 6PPD-quinone, a toxic chemical produced when tire antiozonants react with ozone, adsorbs onto polypropylene microplastics in water. The experiments showed that microplastics can accumulate this tire-derived chemical and then release it, potentially increasing its spread and biological exposure in aquatic environments.
Environmentally relevant concentrations of tyre particles cause toxicity in estuarine invertebrates
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers exposed estuarine organisms to environmentally relevant concentrations of tire particles and measured toxicity endpoints including survival, reproduction, and behavior. Tire particles caused significant adverse effects at concentrations already found in some urban estuaries, suggesting current environmental levels pose ecological risks.
Life stage-specific effects of tire particle leachates on the cosmopolitan planktonic copepod Acartia tonsa
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that chemicals leaching from tire wear particles are toxic to copepods, tiny crustaceans that are a critical food source for marine life. Young copepods were especially vulnerable, with the chemicals blocking their development at concentrations that could occur in the real world near roads and runoff areas. Since copepods form the base of ocean food chains, this toxicity could ripple upward through the ecosystem and ultimately affect the quality and safety of seafood people eat.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.