New PML research has revealed that particles shed from car tires – a major but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution – are both eaten by, and stick to the bodies of
New PML research has revealed that particles shed from car tires – a major but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution – are both eaten by, and stick to the bodies of small marine animals.
Tire particles form as a result of abrasion between vehicle tires and roads. These particles are made from both natural and synthetic rubber and are a type of microplastic. But plastic isn’t the only problem with this pollutant; tires contain a cocktail of chemicals, trace metals, volatile organics and antioxidants, designed to increase tire longevity, reduce road resistance, and protect from UV damage.
These tire particles – smaller than 5 mm – are released onto highways, verges and the air, with rainfall and runoff washing them into rivers and estuaries, where they can settle into sediments or remain suspended in the water. Studies have discovered high abundances of tire particles in intertidal estuaries – making up 73% of detected microplastics.
While tire particles were first recognized as pollutants in the 1970s, they have received surprisingly little attention until recently. This new study, led by Charlotte Woodhouse, PhD researcher at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) and the University of Exeter, is among the first to look at
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