According to estimates put forward in multiple studies, tire and road wear particles are one of the largest sources to microplastic contamination in the environment. There are large uncertainties ...associated with local emissions and transport of tire and road wear particles into environmental compartments, highlighting an urgent need to provide more data on inventories and fluxes of these particles. To our knowledge, the present paper is the first published data on mass concentrations and snow mass load of tire and polymer-modified road wear particles in snow. Roadside snow and meltwater from three different types of roads (peri-urban, urban highway and urban) were analysed by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. Tire particle mass concentrations in snow (76.0–14,500 mg/L meltwater), and snow mass loads (222–109,000 mg/m2) varied widely. The concentration ranges of polymer-modified particles were 14.8–9550 mg/L and 50.0–28,800 mg/m2 in snow and meltwater, respectively. Comparing the levels of tire and PMB particles to the total mass of particles, showed that tire and PMB-particles combined only contribute to 5.7% (meltwater) and 5.2% (mass load) of the total mass concentration of particles. The large variation between sites in the study was investigated using redundancy analysis of the possible explanatory variables. Contradictory to previous road studies, speed limit was found to be one of the most important variables explaining the variation in mass concentrations, and not Annual Average Daily Traffic. All identified variables explained 69% and 66%, for meltwater and mass load concentrations, respectively. The results show that roadside snow contain total suspended solids in concentrations far exceeding release limits of tunnel and road runoff, as well as tire particles in concentrations comparable to levels previously reported to cause toxicity effects in organisms. These findings strongly indicate that roadside snow should be treated before release into the environment.
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•TRWP is estimated to be one of the largest sources of MP to the environment.•Mass data of TRWP are limited and not before presented for roadside snow.•Roadside snow from various road types were analysed with Pyr-GC/MS.•Concentrations of TRWP showed large variations between and within road types.•Speed and AADT explained the main variation observed.
Traffic pollution has been linked to high levels of metals and organic contaminants in road-side soils, largely due to abrasion of tires, brake pads and the road surface. Although several studies ...have demonstrated correlations between different pollutants and various traffic variables, they mainly focused on roads with medium to high traffic density (>30,000 vehicles per day). In this study we have focused on investigating tire wear particles and road-related metals (zinc, copper, lead, chromium, nickel, and the metalloid arsenic) in the soils of low traffic roads in rural areas (650–14,250 vehicles per day). Different explanatory factors were investigated, such as traffic density, speed, % heavy vehicles, organic matter content, annual precipitation, soil types and roadside slope profiles. The results show high levels of tire wear particles, from 2000 to 26,400 mg/kg (0.2–2.6 % tire wear in d.w. soil), which is up to five times higher compared to previously reported values in roadside soils of high traffic density areas. A weak but significant correlation was found between tire wear particles, traffic speed and the annual precipitation. No significant relationship was found between tire wear particles metals. The concentrations of metals were comparable to previous studies of high traffic areas of Norway, as well as both urban and rural soils in other countries. For the metals, all factors together explained 45 % of the variation observed, with traffic density (11 %) and organic matter content (10 %) as the most important single variables. The analysis of tire wear particles in soils using Pyrolysis Gas chromatography Mass Spectrometry is challenging, and the results presented demonstrate the need for pretreatment to remove organic matter from the samples before analysis.
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•High levels of tire wear particles (0.2–2.6 % d.w.) in soils along low traffic roads•Positive correlation between tire wear particles, traffic speed and precipitation•Positive correlation between metals, traffic density and organic matter•No correlation between tire wear particles and metals•No vertical or horizontal gradient found for tire wear particles or metals
Tire particles are generated by the abrasion of tire treads on roads and are major contributors to microplastics in soil environments. Contamination by tire wear particles worsens annually as the use ...of personal mobilities increases. Tire particles (112–541 µm) were obtained from three types of personal mobility tires (bicycle, car, and electric scooter) and exposed to plants (Vigna radiata) and springtails (Folsomia candida) for 28 d to assess the toxicity of each tire-particle type. The laboratory-generated tire particles exhibit adverse effects depending on the origin of the tire or test species. Particles from bicycle or electric-scooter tires changed the soil’s bulk density and water holding capacity and adversely affected plant growth. Car tire particles had leached various organic compounds and induced detrimental effects on springtails (adult and offspring growth). We concluded that laboratory-generated tire particles (frow new tires) can affect the soil environment by changing soil properties and leaching chemicals; thus, causing adverse effects on soil organisms. Since this study found tire particle toxicity on soil organisms, it would be possible to compare the various contamination levels in areas near road soil and other clean soils.
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•TPs generated on roads are major contributors of microplastics in soil environments.•TPs exposed to plants and springtails to assess toxicity of tire particle types•TPs affect soil environment by changing soil properties affecting soil organisms•TPs in soil environments increase toxicity
The growing demand for vehicles is increasing every year, and this paves the way for the environmental problem for the generation of the waste tire (WT) and associated disposal after their end life. ...On the other direction, effluent from tannery and electroplating industries contented with a higher concentration of chromium, which is a toxic pollutant, induces mutation effects. In this work, the approach of reutilization of waste tires as adsorbent is reported towards the sequestrations of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from the simulated system. The waste tire sample is activated using orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4) and utilized for adsorption studies. Adsorption studies are performed with native tire sample (NTP) and activated tire sample (ATP). About 96.5% of Cr(VI) adsorption efficiency was attained using ATP and at the optimal adsorption solution pH 2.0. The adsorbent performed relatively well in wide a range of initial solution pH tested in the present research. The experimental data analysis of Cr(VI) adsorption onto NTP and ATP revealed the best fit with the kinetic model of pseudo-second-order. Further, the equilibrium data were analysed using two-parameter isotherms, relatively the Langmuir isotherm best represented in both NTP and ATP. ATP demonstrated with higher Cr(VI) removal performance with an adsorption capacity of 102.90 mg/g, according to the Langmuir model. The proposed idea of utilizing waste tire particles as adsorbents in the treatment of Cr(VI) contaminated water offers valuable guidance towards further investigations in the directions of dynamic adsorption and effluent treatment.
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•Reported the utilization of waste tire particles for the preparation of adsorbents.•Native and orthophosphoric acid activated waste tire particles tested towards Cr(VI) removal in batch mode.•Characterization of Cr(VI) interaction with waste tire particles performed.•The maximum adsorption capacity of 102.90 mg/g was attained using orthophosphoric acid activated waste tire particles.
Tire particles pose a potential threat to terrestrial organisms because they are deposited in large quantities in the soil by tire wear abrasion, and moreover their chemical complexity poses an ...additional risk. Microplastics can affect several physiological processes in organisms, including those related to immunity. Therefore, we investigated the expression profile of selected immune-related genes (MnSod, Manganese Superoxide dismutase; Cat, Catalase; CypG, Cyclophilin G; Nos, Nitric oxide synthase; Ppae2a, Prophenoloxidase-activating enzyme 2a; Dscam, Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule; Myd88, Myeloid-differentiation factor 88; Toll4, Toll-like receptor 4; Mas-like, Masquerade-like protein) in haemocytes and the digestive gland hepatopancreas of terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber after two different time exposures (4 and 14 days) to tire particles in soil. Our results reveal for the first time the response of P. scaber after microplastic exposure at the transcriptome level. We observed time- and tissue-dependent changes in the expression of the analysed genes, with more pronounced alterations in haemocytes after 14 days of exposure. Some minor changes were also observed in hepatopancreas after 4 days. Changes in the expression profile of the analysed genes are a direct indication of a modulated immune status of the test organism, which, however, does not represent an adverse effect on the test organism under the given conditions. Nevertheless, the question remains whether the observed change in immune status affects the immunocompetence of the test organism.
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•Exposure to tire particles in soil impacts the expression of tested genes in woodlice.•Modulations in immune-related gene expression were time- and tissue-dependent.•The most striking changes were observed in haemocytes after 14 days.•Some genes were also changed in hepatopancreas but only after 4 days.
Microplastics are very common contaminants in the environment. Despite increasing efforts to assess the effects of microplastics on soil organisms, there remains a lack of knowledge on how organisms ...respond to diverse types of microplastics after different exposure durations. In the present study, we investigated the immune response of the terrestrial crustacean Porcellio scaber exposed to the two most common microplastic particles in the environment: polyester fibres and tyre particles. We also tested two natural particles: wood dust and silica powder, with all treatments performed at 1.5% w/w. The response of P. scaber was evaluated at the level of the immune system, and also the biochemical, organism and population level, after different exposure durations (1, 2, 4, 7, 14, 21 days). These data reveal dynamic changes in the levels of some immune parameters shortly after exposure, with a gradual return to control values. The total number of haemocytes was significantly decreased after 4 days of exposure to tyre particles, while the proportion of different haemocyte types in the haemolymph was altered shortly after exposure to both polyester fibres and tyre particles. Moreover, 7 days of exposure to tyre particles resulted in increased superoxide dismutase activity in the haemolymph, while metabolic activity in whole woodlice (measured as electron transport system activity) was increased after exposure for 7, 14 and 21 days. In contrast, the natural particles did not elicit any significant changes in the measured parameters. Survival and feeding of P. scaber were not altered by exposure to the microplastics and natural particles in soil. Overall, this study defines a time-dependent transient immune response of P. scaber, which indicates that immune parameters represent sensitive biomarkers of exposure to microplastics. We discuss the importance of using natural particles in studies of microplastics exposure and their effects.
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•We studied natural particles and microplastics for immune effects in Porcellio scaber•Haemocyte proportions in haemolymph rapidly and transiently changed for microplastics•Exposure to tyre particles significantly increased whole woodlouse metabolic activity•There were no changes in measured parameters for exposure to natural particles
The exposure of organisms to microplastics could compromise their ability to cope with other environmental stressors, such as infections. In this context, we investigated the effects of a 14-day ...exposure of the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber to tire particles in soil (1.5 % w w−1 dry weight) on the organisms' response to a secondary exposure, i.e., injection of the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide. In addition, the insecticide chlorpyrifos (2 mg kg−1 dry weight) was tested as a positive control. The survival and immune response of P. scaber was assessed at the end of the 7- and 14-day primary exposure and two days after the secondary exposure, by analyzing selected haemolymph immune parameters (total haemocyte count, differential haemocyte count, and haemocyte viability). No change in survival was observed after primary exposure of P. scaber to tire particles or chlorpyrifos. However, primary exposure to chlorpyrifos triggered a strong activation of the immune response, which was not the case following exposure to the tire particles. Further injection of lipopolysaccharide into the body did not affect the survival of animals exposed to tire particles or chlorpyrifos, while a strong immunomodulatory change was observed, particularly with chlorpyrifos, and to some extent, tire particles. Based on these results, we conclude that exposure of P. scaber to tire particles or chlorpyrifos has no significant effect on the susceptibility of the organism to lipopolysaccharide in terms of their mortality, but primary exposure to an insecticide significantly modulates the immune response of the organisms to a second stressor. We discuss the “stress on stress” approach for testing low-toxic substances, such as microplastics, where an environmentally realistic exposure is followed by a secondary exposure.
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•Microplastics as a low-toxic and highly persistent pollutant in the environment•The use of secondary stress to assess the effects of primary exposure on organisms•Microplastic pre-exposure has no effect on Porcellio scaber susceptibility to LPS.•Exposure to chlorpyrifos modulates P. scaber immune response after LPS challenge.
Tire particles (TPs) are a major source of microplastic on land, and considering their chemical composition, they represent a potential hazard for the terrestrial environment. We studied the effects ...of TPs at environmentally relevant concentrations along a wide concentration gradient (0–160 mg g
−1
) and tested the effects on plant growth, soil pH and the key ecosystem process of litter decomposition and soil respiration. The addition of TPs negatively affected shoot and root growth already at low concentrations. Tea litter decomposition slightly increased with lower additions of TPs but decreased later on. Soil pH increased until a TP concentration of 80 mg g
−1
and leveled off afterwards. Soil respiration clearly increased with increasing concentration of added TPs. Plant growth was likely reduced with starting contamination and stopped when contamination reached a certain level in the soil. The presence of TPs altered a number of biogeochemical soil parameters that can have further effects on plant performance. Considering the quantities of yearly produced TPs, their persistence, and toxic potential, we assume that these particles will eventually have a significant impact on terrestrial ecosystems.
We investigated the physical and chemical characteristics of non-exhaust ultrafine particles from on-road driving and laboratory measurements using a mobile sampling vehicle. The on-road driving and ...laboratory measurements during constant speed conditions revealed no enhancement of ultrafine particles. Under braking events, the total number concentrations of tire particles (TPs) sampled 90 mm above the road surface was 6 times higher with broader mode diameters when compared to 40 mm above the road surface. In contrast to braking events, under cornering conditions, the total number concentrations of TPs sampled 40 mm above the road surface were 50 times higher relative to 90 mm above the road surface. From the morphological and elemental analyses, it is likely that the ultrafine particles generated from the interaction between the tire and the road surface under braking conditions might originated from sulfur-containing materials or anti-oxidants which are contained in TPs, and/or graphite and solid lubricants which are mainly present in brake particles (BPs). However, Zn which was a distinguishing elemental marker of tire wear particles didn't show in EDS spectra. Further research would be required as to the exact emission source of ultrafine particles.
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•We investigate the physical and chemical characterization of non-exhaust particles.•Ultrafine particles were measured during on-road driving and in a laboratory.•The particle number and size distributions were observed under various conditions.•The morphological and elemental analyses can inform the particle formation.
The production of flexible polyurethane foams (FPF) with good acoustical performance to control sound and noise and incorporating bio/recycled raw materials is an interesting alternative to ...conventional acoustic absorbent materials. In this sense, biobased polyols like glycerol (GLY) or hydroxylated methyl esters derived from tung oil (HMETO) as multifunctional polyols, and waste tire particles (WTP) as fillers of low thermal conductivity and good capability for acoustical absorption, are prospective feedstocks for FPF preparation. In this work, FPF were prepared by adding different amounts of these components to a formulation based on a commercial polyether polyol. Results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, compression tests and normal-incidence sound absorption coefficient (αN) measurements are presented and discussed. The addition of WTP or GLY to the commercial formulation enhanced both the modulus and yield stress of the obtained FPF in all cases. Moreover, a high recovery of the applied strain (>90%) was attained 24 h after the compression tests. On the other hand, the normal-incidence sound absorption coefficient, αN, reached high values mostly at the highest evaluated frequencies (αN ∼0.62–0.89 at 2000 Hz and αN ∼0.70–0.91 at 5000 Hz). SEM micrographs revealed that the foams obtained present a combination of open and closed cell structure and both the modifiers and particles tend to decrease the cell size.
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