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Quantifying the release of tyre wear particles to the marine environment via multiple pathways

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Geoffrey AbbottORCiD

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This is the authors' accepted manuscript of an article that has been published in its final definitive form by Elsevier Ltd, 2021.

For re-use rights please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.


Abstract

© 2021. Desk-based studies have suggested tyre wear particles contribute a substantial portion of microplastic emissions to the environment, yet few empirical studies report finding tyre wear. Samples were collected from three pathways to the marine environment: atmospheric deposition, treated wastewater effluent, and untreated surface runoff. Pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to detect benzothiazole, a molecular marker for tyres. Benzothiazole was detected in each pathway, emitting tyre wear in addition to other sources of microplastics. Release via surface water drainage was the principle pathway in the regions examined. Laboratory tests indicated larger particles likely settle close to their entry points, whereas smaller particles have potential for longer-range transport and dispersal. The previous lack of reports are likely a consequence of inadequate methods of detection, rather than a low environmental presence. Further work is required to establish distribution, transport potential, and potential impacts once within the marine environment.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Parker-Jurd FNF, Napper IE, Abbott GD, Hann S, Thompson RC

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin

Year: 2021

Volume: 172

Print publication date: 01/11/2021

Online publication date: 02/09/2021

Acceptance date: 20/08/2021

Date deposited: 11/10/2021

ISSN (print): 0025-326X

ISSN (electronic): 1879-3363

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112897

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112897


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