ORCID
- Richard C. Thompson: 0000-0003-2262-6621
Abstract
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.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2021-01-01
Publication Title
Marine Pollution Bulletin
Volume
172
ISSN
0025-326X
Acceptance Date
2021-08-20
Deposit Date
2021-10-09
Embargo Period
2022-09-02
Funding
The content of this paper has been specifically prepared for Marine Pollution Bulletin and is part of a much larger study commissioned and funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, UK Government (project ME5435). We further acknowledge landowners and water service companies who enabled sampling. We would also thank Paul Donohue for technical support (Newcastle University), University of Plymouth technical staff, and the University of Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre for their support and assistance in this work.
Keywords
Tire wear, Vehicle emissions, Microplastics, Surface runoff, Atmospheric deposition, Wastewater treatment, Marine pollution
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Parker-Jurd, F., Napper, I., Abbott, G., Hann, S., & Thompson, R. (2021) 'Quantifying the release of tyre wear particles to the marine environment via multiple pathways', Marine Pollution Bulletin, 172. Available at: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112897
