Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • TWPs constitute up to 90% of microplastics in urban stormwater runoff, with an estimated annual emission of 481,000 tons from light-duty vehicles in China in 2022, exceeding tailpipe particulate emissions. • • TWPs exhibit high adsorption capacity for coexisting pollutants; for example, Fenton aging significantly enhances the heavy metal adsorption capacity of polystyrene microplastics, suggesting similar effects on TWPs. • • The release of intrinsic additives from TWPs, such as zinc and organic compounds, is a critical ecotoxicological concern, with chronic toxicity observed in water- and sediment-dwelling organisms. • • Aggregation and sedimentation of TWPs in water are influenced by ionic strength and pH, with critical coagulation concentrations varying accordingly, affecting their transport and fate.
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWPs) are emerging pollutants and constitute the dominant type of microplastics (MPs) in urban stormwater runoff, accounting for up to 90% of MPs in some cases. They are characterized by small size, high mobility, complex composition, and significant toxicity. Current research on TWPs remains fragmented, lacking a comprehensive understanding of their environmental behaviors and pollution control in aquatic systems. This review systematically analyzes the enrichment and vectoring roles of TWPs for coexisting pollutants, and their environmental fate, including ecotoxicological impacts, detection methodologies, release of intrinsic additives, and aggregation and sedimentation behaviors. Drawing on insights from other microplastic studies, the paper explores control technologies across the pollution pathway—source, transport, and terminal treatment—and proposes feasible management strategies. Key findings indicate that TWPs can adsorb heavy metals and organic contaminants, with adsorption capacities influenced by aging processes. Their aggregation is governed by solution chemistry, with critical coagulation concentrations varying with ionic strength and pH. The release of additives such as zinc and benzothiazoles is significant, posing ecological risks. Future research should focus on real-water aggregation mechanisms, additive release under natural conditions, long-term performance of treatment facilities like constructed wetlands under TWPs stress, enzymatic degradation pathways, and integration of AI, big data, and IoT for cost-effective detection and risk modeling. This review provides a scientific basis for developing targeted pollution control measures for TWPs in aquatic environments.
1. Introduction
The pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments has emerged as a critical global concern due to their persistence, potential for bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Among MPs, tire wear particles (TWPs) are particularly significant, constituting up to 90% of MPs in urban stormwater runoff. TWPs are generated from the mechanical abrasion of tires on road surfaces, resulting in particles typically smaller than 5 mm, composed of rubber polymers and various chemical additives. Their small size and high mobility facilitate their transport into water bodies, where they can act as vectors for other pollutants and release toxic additives. Despite their prevalence, research on TWPs has been fragmented, with limited understanding of their environmental behaviors and effective control strategies.
Existing commercial approaches for mitigating MP pollution have primarily focused on wastewater treatment plants, which are not designed to remove such fine particles efficiently. Moreover, the complex composition of TWPs, including numerous additives, complicates their detection and remediation. This review addresses these bottlenecks by systematically analyzing the key environmental behaviors of TWPs—such as aggregation, sedimentation, and pollutant vectoring—and evaluating control technologies across the entire pollution pathway. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying research gaps, this work provides a foundation for developing targeted and economically feasible strategies to manage TWPs pollution in aquatic environments.
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YU Yirui, WEI Jin, WEI Yongping, WEI Zhenlei, LIU Jun, LI Keyan, ZHANG Xianbing (2026). Key Environmental Behaviors and Pollution Control Strategies of Tire Wear Particles in Aquatic Environments. Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology. https://doi.org/10.13205/j.hjgc.202604004
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary mechanisms by which tire wear particles (TWPs) act as vectors for coexisting pollutants in aquatic environments?
TWPs can adsorb heavy metals and organic contaminants onto their surfaces due to their high surface area and hydrophobic nature. Aging processes, such as Fenton oxidation, can further enhance their adsorption capacity by increasing surface roughness and oxygen-containing functional groups. This vectoring role facilitates the transport of pollutants, potentially increasing their bioavailability and toxicity.
How do solution chemistry parameters (e.g., ionic strength, pH) influence the aggregation and sedimentation of TWPs in natural waters?
Aggregation of TWPs is governed by Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. Increasing ionic strength compresses the electric double layer, reducing repulsion and promoting aggregation, leading to faster sedimentation. pH affects surface charge; at pH near the point of zero charge, aggregation is maximized. These factors determine the transport and fate of TWPs in aquatic systems.
What are the major intrinsic additives released from TWPs, and what are their ecotoxicological implications?
TWPs contain various additives, including zinc, benzothiazoles, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Leaching of these compounds can occur upon exposure to water, with release rates influenced by aging and environmental conditions. Chronic toxicity studies have shown adverse effects on aquatic organisms, such as reduced survival and reproduction, highlighting the ecological risks posed by additive release.
What are the current challenges in detecting and quantifying TWPs in environmental samples, and how can they be addressed?
Detection of TWPs is challenging due to their complex composition and the presence of interfering materials. Current methods include visual sorting, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). However, these methods are time-consuming and may not distinguish TWPs from other rubber particles. Future research should focus on developing automated, cost-effective techniques, possibly integrating AI and IoT, for real-time monitoring.
What are the potential long-term impacts of TWPs on constructed wetlands and other treatment facilities?
Continuous exposure to TWPs may affect the performance of constructed wetlands by altering microbial communities and clogging porous media. The release of additives could also exert toxic effects on plants and microorganisms, potentially reducing treatment efficiency. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate these impacts and develop mitigation strategies.
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