Search

Extensive research about non-exhaust fine particles from tires and brakes in vehicles has been reported, focusing on the significant effects on air pollution and human harm. Significant investigations are still needed in determining the cause of influence on the environment and human health. The regulations on emissions have been discussed in earnest, starting with the introduction of brake wear particle emission standards in Euro 7. Various indoor and outdoor experiments have been conducted, such as analysis of the amount of wear on tires and brakes, and analysis of the physical and chemical properties of fine particles, and the effect of non-exhaust fine wear particles on the atmosphere and human health, as fundamental data for the introduction of emission standards and the development of low-wear tires and brakes to meet regulations. Recently, international standardized indoor experimental methods for brakes have been announced, and indoor and outdoor experimental methods for tires have been continuously studied to develop international standardized methods. In particular, tire and road wear particles, including brake wear particles, are usually mixed with each other in the non-exhaust particles from a vehicle driving on real roads, and in-depth research is being performed on their accurate classification and characteristic analysis. In this study, the characteristics of the volatile organic compounds and marker substances for tire and tire and road wear particles were analyzed. A system was installed on the vehicle to collect non-exhaust wear fine particles from the vehicle running on two different roads, urban and suburban, of the Seoul area, and the proving ground road. The specific findings are as follows: (1) From the chemical analysis of the volatile organic compounds, high n-hexane and n-dodecane were measured in the tire–road-wear particles. (2) The volatile organic compound species in the PM2.5 (aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm) increased as the vehicle velocity increased. (3) For the PM10 (aerodynamic diameter ≤ 10 µm), high volatile organic compound species were recorded at 40 km/h of the vehicle velocity. (4) This study also revealed that higher vinylcyclohexene and dipentene were measured in the particle size below 10 μm than those in PM2.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental accumulation of microplastics poses a formidable global challenge, with tyre wear particles (TWPs) emerging as major and potentially harmful contributors to this particulate pollution. A critical pathway for TWPs to aquatic environments is via road drainage. While drainage assets are employed worldwide, their effectiveness in retaining microplastics of highly variable densities (TWP ~ 1–2.5 g cm3) remains unknown. This study examines their ability to impede the transfer of TWPs from the UK Strategic Road Network (SRN) to aquatic ecosystems. Samples were collected from the influent, effluent and sediments of three retention ponds and three wetlands. The rate of TWP generation is known to vary in response to vehicle speed and direction. To ascertain the significance of this variability, we further compared the mass of TWPs in drainage from curved and straight sections of the SRN across eight drainage outfalls. Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC–MS) was used to quantify tyre wear using benzothiazole as a molecular marker for TWPs (with an internal standard benzothiazole-D4). Tyre wear was present in drainage from the SRN at concentrations of 2.86 ± 6 mg/L and was found within every sample analysed. Drainage from curved sections of the SRN contained on average a 40% greater TWP mass than straight sections but this was not significant. The presence of wetlands and retention ponds generally led to a reduction in TWP mass (74.9% ± 8.2). This effect was significant for retention ponds but not for wetlands; most probably due to variability among sites and sampling occasions. Similar drainage assets are used on a global scale; hence our results are of broad relevance to the management of TWP pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pyrolysis of waste tires has been considered a potential sustainable solution in light of escalating carbon dioxide emissions. Nevertheless, current research indicates a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the movement of waste tire particles in a single horizontal-axis stirred pyrolysis reactor. This study employed EDEM 2021.2 software to perform comprehensive numerical simulations of a single horizontal-axis stirred pyrolysis reactor, examining the impact of three main production factors—particle size, feed rate, and central axis speed—on particle motion. By acquiring contact data between particles and reactor walls, we illustrated the persistent motion of particles during the operation of the equipment. The research findings suggest that with the rise in rotational speed, there is a corresponding increase in particle accumulation. In high-speed conditions, the interaction between particles and the reactor wall is intensified. The contact level increased by 15.54% (at 3 r/min) and 25.66% (at 5 r/min) with the rise in rotational speed. Furthermore, at an identical rotational speed, the interaction between the larger particle group and the wall surpassed that of the smaller particle group. Doubling the feed rate led to a reduction of over 10% in the contact level between particles and the reaction wall at varying speeds. Through a thorough analysis of various factors influencing particle motion, our objective is to elucidate the motion traits of particles in the reactor, offering crucial theoretical direction and technical assistance to enhance production efficiency and ensure the secure and steady operation of pyrolysis reactors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tire particles (TPs) are one of the main emission sources of micro- and nano-plastics into the environment. Although most TPs are deposited in the soil or in the sediments of freshwater and although they have been demonstrated to accumulate in organisms, most research has focused on the toxicity of leachate, neglecting the potential effects of particles and their ecotoxicological impact on the environment. In addition, studies have focused on the impact on aquatic systems and there are many gaps in the biological and ecotoxicological information on the possible harmful effects of the particles on edaphic fauna, despite the soil ecosystem becoming a large plastic sink. The aim of the present study is to review the environmental contamination of TPs, paying particular attention to the composition and degradation of tires (I), transport and deposition in different environments, especially in soil (II), the toxicological effects on edaphic fauna (III), potential markers and detection in environmental samples for monitoring (IV), preliminary risk characterization, using Forlanini Urban Park, Milan (Italy), as an example of an urban park (V), and risk mitigation measures as possible future proposals for sustainability (VI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concerns over the ecological impacts of urban road runoff have increased, partly due to recent research into the harmful impacts of tire particles and their chemical leachates. This study aimed to help the community of researchers, regulators and policy advisers in scoping out the priority areas for further study. To improve our understanding of these issues an interdisciplinary, international network consisting of experts (United Kingdom, Norway, United States, Australia, South Korea, Finland, Austria, China and Canada) was formed. We synthesised the current state of the knowledge and highlighted priority research areas for tire particles (in their different forms) and their leachates. Ten priority research questions with high importance were identified under four themes (environmental presence and detection; chemicals of concern; biotic impacts; mitigation and regulation). The priority research questions include the importance of increasing the understanding of the fate and transport of these contaminants; better alignment of toxicity studies; obtaining the holistic understanding of the impacts; and risks they pose across different ecosystem services. These issues have to be addressed globally for a sustainable solution. We highlight how the establishment of the intergovernmental science-policy panel on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention could further address these issues on a global level through coordinated knowledge transfer of car tire research and regulation. We hope that the outputs from this research paper will reduce scientific uncertainty in assessing and managing environmental risks from TP and their leachates and aid any potential future policy and regulatory development. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tire particles (TPs) significantly contribute to microplastics in aquatic ecosystems, which has recently attracted ecological concerns worldwide. Numerous studies have shown that biofilms on microplastics harbor unique species and harmful functions, but it remains unclear whether TPs could offer distinct niches for biofilms compared to conventional microplastics (CP). This study investigated the succession and assembly of biofilms on TPs compared with CP over 60 days. Our results showed the community structures of biofilms on TPs and CP were distinct. Intriguingly, a greater structural dissimilarity was observed between TPs-associated communities and natural biofilms compared to that between CP-associated communities and natural biofilms. This dissimilarity became more pronounced as biofilms progressed through succession. Furthermore, the bacterial community on the TPs exhibits a network of greater complexity, more stable structure, and higher activity than that on the CP, but the pattern was reversed in the eukaryotic community. Deterministic processes had a more critical impact on bacterial communities on TPs, whereas distinct stochastic processes controlled eukaryotic communities on TPs (dispersal limitation) and CP (undominated processes). Altogether, this study tentatively introduced the term "tire plastisphere" (i.e., TP-attached biofilms), emphasizing TPs could serve as more artificial microbial habitats and pose potential risks in disturbing aquatic ecology., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Tire particles (TPs) are one of the main emission sources of micro- and nano-plastics into the environment. Although most TPs are deposited in the soil or in the sediments of freshwater and although they have been demonstrated to accumulate in organisms, most research has focused on the toxicity of leachate, neglecting the potential effects of particles and their ecotoxicological impact on the environment. In addition, studies have focused on the impact on aquatic systems and there are many gaps in the biological and ecotoxicological information on the possible harmful effects of the particles on edaphic fauna, despite the soil ecosystem becoming a large plastic sink. The aim of the present study is to review the environmental contamination of TPs, paying particular attention to the composition and degradation of tires (I), transport and deposition in different environments, especially in soil (II), the toxicological effects on edaphic fauna (III), potential markers and detection in environmental samples for monitoring (IV), preliminary risk characterization, using Forlanini Urban Park, Milan (Italy), as an example of an urban park (V), and risk mitigation measures as possible future proposals for sustainability (VI).

• End-of-Life Tire (ELT) particles are obtained in the tire recycling process. • ELTs differ in terms of composition by the most studied Tire Road Wear Particles. • The toxicity of ELT particle suspensions was evaluated on zebrafish. • Alterations of detoxifying enzymes, swimming behaviour and heart rate were observed. • A wide plethora of proteins was modulated by the ELT suspension exposures. Million tons of tires become waste every year, and the so-called End-of-Life Tires (ELTs) are ground into powder (ELT-dp; size < 0.8 mm) and granules (ELT-dg; 0.8 < size < 2.5 mm) for recycling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sub-lethal effects of three different concentrations (0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L) of aqueous suspensions from ELT-dp and ELT-dg on Danio rerio (zebrafish) larvae exposed from 0 to 120 h post-fertilization (hpf). Chronic effects were assessed through biomarkers, real-time PCR, and proteomics. We observed a significant increase in swimming behavior and heart rate only in specimens exposed to ELT-dp suspensions at 1 and 10 mg/L, respectively. Conversely, the activities of detoxifying enzymes ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) showed significant modulation only in specimens exposed to ELT-dg groups. Although no effects were observed through real-time PCR, proteomics highlighted alterations induced by the three ELT-dp concentrations in over 100 proteins involved in metabolic pathways of aromatic and nitrogen compounds. The results obtained suggest that the toxic mechanism of action (MoA) of ELT suspensions is mainly associated with the induction of effects by released chemicals in water, with a higher toxicity of ELT-dp compared to ELT-dg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the large amount of tires that reach the end of life every year, the aim of this study was the evaluation of both acute and chronic effects of end-of-life-tire (ELT)-derived rubber granules (ELT-dg) and powder (ELT-dp) on a freshwater trophic chain represented by the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, the crustacean Daphnia magna and the teleost Danio rerio (zebrafish). Adverse effects were evaluated at the organism and population levels through the classical ecotoxicological tests. Acute tests on D. magna and D. rerio revealed a 50% effect concentration (EC50) > 100.0 mg/L for both ELT-dg and ELT-dp. Chronic exposures had a lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) of 100.0 mg/L for both ELT-dg and ELT-dp on P. subcapitata grow rate and yield. LOEC decreased in the other model organisms, with a value of 9.8 mg/L for D. magna, referring to the number of living offspring, exposed to ELT-dg suspension. Similarly, in D. rerio, the main results highlighted a LOEC of 10.0 mg/L regarding the survival and juvenile weight parameters for ELT-dg and a LOEC of 10.0 mg/L concerning the survival and abnormal behavior in specimens exposed to ELT-dp. Tested materials exhibited a threshold of toxicity of 9.8 mg/L, probably a non-environmental concentration, although further investigations are needed to clarify the potential ecological impact of these emerging contaminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the large amount of tires that reach the end of life every year, the aim of this study was the evaluation of both acute and chronic effects of end-of-life-tire (ELT)-derived rubber granules (ELT-dg) and powder (ELT-dp) on a freshwater trophic chain represented by the green alga Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, the crustacean Daphnia magna and the teleost Danio rerio (zebrafish). Adverse effects were evaluated at the organism and population levels through the classical ecotoxicological tests. Acute tests on D. magna and D. rerio revealed a 50% effect concentration (EC50) > 100.0 mg/L for both ELT-dg and ELT-dp. Chronic exposures had a lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) of 100.0 mg/L for both ELT-dg and ELT-dp on P. subcapitata grow rate and yield. LOEC decreased in the other model organisms, with a value of 9.8 mg/L for D. magna, referring to the number of living offspring, exposed to ELT-dg suspension. Similarly, in D. rerio, the main results highlighted a LOEC of 10.0 mg/L regarding the survival and juvenile weight parameters for ELT-dg and a LOEC of 10.0 mg/L concerning the survival and abnormal behavior in specimens exposed to ELT-dp. Tested materials exhibited a threshold of toxicity of 9.8 mg/L, probably a non-environmental concentration, although further investigations are needed to clarify the potential ecological impact of these emerging contaminants.

G‌e‌o‌s‌y‌n‌t‌h‌e‌t‌i‌c‌s h‌a‌v‌e b‌e‌e‌n e‌x‌t‌e‌n‌s‌i‌v‌e‌l‌y u‌s‌e‌d a‌s s‌o‌i‌l r‌e‌i‌n‌f‌o‌r‌c‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t‌s u‌n‌d‌e‌r f‌o‌o‌t‌i‌n‌g‌s e‌s‌p‌e‌c‌i‌a‌l‌l‌y i‌n s‌o‌f‌t g‌r‌o‌u‌n‌d‌s. G‌e‌o‌c‌e‌l‌l i‌s a f‌o‌r‌m o‌f t‌h‌r‌e‌e-d‌i‌m‌e‌n‌s‌i‌o‌n‌a‌l r‌e‌i‌n‌f‌o‌r‌c‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t w‌h‌i‌c‌h i‌s a‌b‌l‌e t‌o p‌r‌o‌v‌i‌d‌e g‌r‌e‌a‌t‌e‌r b‌e‌a‌r‌i‌n‌g c‌a‌p‌a‌c‌i‌t‌y d‌u‌e t‌o c‌o‌n‌f‌i‌n‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t c‌o‌m‌p‌a‌r‌e‌d t‌o p‌l‌a‌n‌a‌r t‌y‌p‌e‌s o‌f r‌e‌i‌n‌f‌o‌r‌c‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t‌s l‌i‌k‌e g‌e‌o‌g‌r‌i‌d‌s a‌n‌d g‌e‌o‌t‌e‌x‌t‌i‌l‌e‌s. O‌n t‌h‌e o‌t‌h‌e‌r h‌a‌n‌d, u‌s‌i‌n‌g t‌i‌r‌e s‌h‌r‌e‌d‌s, i‌n a‌d‌d‌i‌t‌i‌o‌n t‌o i‌m‌p‌r‌o‌v‌i‌n‌g s‌o‌i‌l p‌r‌o‌p‌e‌r‌t‌i‌e‌s w‌o‌u‌l‌d h‌a‌v‌e f‌a‌v‌o‌u‌r‌a‌b‌l‌e e‌n‌v‌i‌r‌o‌n‌m‌e‌n‌t‌a‌l e‌f‌f‌e‌c‌t‌s t‌h‌a‌t c‌a‌u‌s‌e‌s a g‌r‌e‌a‌t t‌e‌n‌d‌e‌n‌c‌y f‌o‌r i‌t‌s u‌t‌i‌l‌i‌z‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n i‌n e‌n‌g‌i‌n‌e‌e‌r‌i‌n‌g p‌r‌o‌j‌e‌c‌t‌s. I‌n o‌r‌d‌e‌r t‌o s‌t‌u‌d‌y t‌h‌e c‌y‌c‌l‌i‌c a‌n‌d p‌o‌s‌t-c‌y‌c‌l‌i‌c b‌e‌h‌a‌v‌i‌o‌u‌r‌s o‌f s‌t‌r‌i‌p f‌o‌o‌t‌i‌n‌g‌s o‌n s‌a‌n‌d‌s r‌e‌i‌n‌f‌o‌r‌c‌e‌d b‌y g‌e‌o‌c‌e‌l‌l‌s a‌n‌d r‌u‌b‌b‌e‌r p‌a‌r‌t‌i‌c‌l‌e‌s, a s‌m‌a‌l‌l-s‌c‌a‌l‌e p‌h‌y‌s‌i‌c‌a‌l m‌o‌d‌e‌l i‌n s‌o‌i‌l m‌e‌c‌h‌a‌n‌i‌c‌s l‌a‌b‌o‌r‌a‌t‌o‌r‌y o‌f A‌m‌i‌r‌k‌a‌b‌i‌r U‌n‌i‌v‌e‌r‌s‌i‌t‌y o‌f T‌e‌c‌h‌n‌o‌l‌o‌g‌y h‌a‌s b‌e‌e‌n d‌e‌v‌e‌l‌o‌p‌e‌d. M‌a‌i‌n p‌a‌r‌t‌s o‌f t‌h‌e l‌a‌b‌o‌r‌a‌t‌o‌r‌y a‌p‌p‌a‌r‌a‌t‌u‌s i‌n‌c‌l‌u‌d‌e t‌h‌e f‌o‌o‌t‌i‌n‌g m‌o‌d‌e‌l, t‌h‌e s‌o‌i‌l c‌o‌n‌t‌a‌i‌n‌e‌r, r‌a‌i‌n‌i‌n‌g s‌y‌s‌t‌e‌m, l‌o‌a‌d‌i‌n‌g e‌q‌u‌i‌p‌m‌e‌n‌t a‌n‌d d‌a‌t‌a a‌c‌q‌u‌i‌s‌i‌t‌i‌o‌n s‌y‌s‌t‌e‌m. G‌e‌o‌c‌e‌l‌l‌s w‌i‌t‌h d‌i‌f‌f‌e‌r‌e‌n‌t g‌e‌o‌m‌e‌t‌r‌i‌c‌a‌l d‌i‌m‌e‌n‌s‌i‌o‌n‌s, y‌e‌t t‌h‌e s‌a‌m‌e m‌a‌t‌e‌r‌i‌a‌l h‌a‌v‌e b‌e‌e‌n u‌s‌e‌d i‌n a s‌p‌e‌c‌i‌f‌i‌c l‌o‌c‌a‌t‌i‌o‌n i‌n s‌a‌n‌d l‌a‌y‌e‌r‌s. T‌o i‌n‌v‌e‌s‌t‌i‌g‌a‌t‌e t‌h‌e e‌f‌f‌e‌c‌t o‌f r‌u‌b‌b‌e‌r p‌a‌r‌t‌i‌c‌l‌e s‌i‌z‌e m‌i‌x‌e‌d w‌i‌t‌h s‌a‌n‌d a‌s t‌h‌e g‌e‌o‌c‌e‌l‌l i‌n‌f‌i‌l‌l m‌a‌t‌e‌r‌i‌a‌l, t‌h‌e g‌e‌o‌c‌e‌l‌l p‌o‌c‌k‌e‌t‌s h‌a‌v‌e b‌e‌e‌n f‌i‌l‌l‌e‌d w‌i‌t‌h d‌i‌f‌f‌e‌r‌e‌n‌t m‌a‌t‌e‌r‌i‌a‌l‌s; n‌a‌m‌e‌l‌y p‌u‌r‌e s‌a‌n‌d, p‌u‌r‌e r‌u‌b‌b‌e‌r p‌a‌r‌t‌i‌c‌l‌e‌s a‌n‌d m‌i‌x‌t‌u‌r‌e o‌f r‌u‌b‌b‌e‌r p‌a‌r‌t‌i‌c‌l‌e‌s a‌n‌d s‌a‌n‌d a‌t d‌e‌s‌i‌r‌e‌d d‌e‌n‌s‌i‌t‌i‌e‌s. T‌h‌e‌n a s‌t‌a‌t‌i‌c l‌o‌a‌d‌i‌n‌g i‌s a‌p‌p‌l‌i‌e‌d t‌o t‌h‌e f‌o‌o‌t‌i‌n‌g f‌o‌l‌l‌o‌w‌e‌d b‌y a c‌y‌c‌l‌i‌c l‌o‌a‌d‌i‌n‌g u‌p t‌o 1000 l‌o‌a‌d c‌y‌c‌l‌e‌s. F‌i‌n‌a‌l‌l‌y, t‌h‌e s‌t‌a‌t‌i‌c l‌o‌a‌d‌s a‌r‌e r‌e-a‌p‌p‌l‌i‌e‌d u‌n‌t‌i‌l f‌a‌i‌l‌u‌r‌e o‌c‌c‌u‌r‌s. T‌h‌e s‌t‌u‌d‌y's r‌e‌s‌u‌l‌t‌s i‌n‌d‌i‌c‌a‌t‌e t‌h‌a‌t i‌n s‌i‌m‌i‌l‌a‌r c‌o‌m‌p‌a‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n c‌o‌n‌d‌i‌t‌i‌o‌n, s‌u‌b‌s‌t‌i‌t‌u‌t‌i‌n‌g a p‌e‌r‌c‌e‌n‌t‌a‌g‌e o‌f s‌a‌n‌d w‌i‌t‌h r‌u‌b‌b‌e‌r p‌a‌r‌t‌i‌c‌l‌e‌s o‌f g‌r‌e‌a‌t‌e‌r s‌i‌z‌e l‌e‌a‌d‌s t‌o r‌e‌d‌u‌c‌t‌i‌o‌n i‌n p‌l‌a‌s‌t‌i‌c s‌e‌t‌t‌l‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t a‌n‌d i‌n‌c‌r‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t i‌n e‌l‌a‌s‌t‌i‌c s‌e‌t‌t‌l‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t. I‌n t‌h‌e c‌a‌s‌e o‌f m‌i‌x‌i‌n‌g s‌a‌n‌d w‌i‌t‌h r‌u‌b‌b‌e‌r p‌o‌w‌d‌e‌r w‌i‌t‌h t‌h‌e s‌m‌a‌l‌l‌e‌r p‌a‌r‌t‌i‌c‌l‌e s‌i‌z‌e, t‌h‌e s‌e‌t‌t‌l‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t w‌o‌u‌l‌d i‌n‌c‌r‌e‌a‌s‌e w‌h‌i‌l‌e t‌h‌e b‌e‌a‌r‌i‌n‌g c‌a‌p‌a‌c‌i‌t‌y d‌e‌c‌r‌e‌a‌s‌e‌s. T‌h‌e‌r‌e‌f‌o‌r‌e, i‌t i‌s c‌o‌n‌c‌l‌u‌d‌e‌d t‌h‌a‌t u‌s‌i‌n‌g t‌h‌e m‌i‌x‌t‌u‌r‌e o‌f s‌o‌i‌l a‌n‌d r‌u‌b‌b‌e‌r p‌a‌r‌t‌i‌c‌l‌e‌s o‌f g‌r‌e‌a‌t‌e‌r p‌a‌r‌t‌i‌c‌l‌e s‌i‌z‌e‌s c‌o‌m‌p‌a‌r‌e‌d t‌o s‌o‌i‌l g‌r‌a‌i‌n‌s w‌o‌u‌l‌d i‌m‌p‌r‌o‌v‌e t‌h‌e c‌y‌c‌l‌i‌c b‌e‌h‌a‌v‌i‌o‌u‌r o‌f r‌e‌i‌n‌f‌o‌r‌c‌e‌d s‌o‌i‌l b‌y d‌e‌c‌r‌e‌a‌s‌i‌n‌g t‌h‌e p‌e‌r‌m‌a‌n‌e‌n‌t o‌r p‌l‌a‌s‌t‌i‌c s‌e‌t‌t‌l‌e‌m‌e‌n‌t‌s.

Quantifying microplastics and other microparticles is a matter of interest in the field of environmental science. Stereomicroscopy is one of the most common methods to identify and enumerate micro-size particles. However, the process of enumerating an entire environmental sample can be tedious and time-consuming, especially when target particles are abundant. Here we present a method to develop a subsampling strategy and spreadsheet-based tool to speed up the process of microparticle enumeration while maintaining particle count accuracy. We first identified the pattern in which tire road wear particles (TRWPs) from environmental samples were distributed on a filter when vacuum-plated, then used particle abundance within relatively homogeneous subsection arrangements to establish stratified random subsampling schemes. We describe a repeated sampling experiment using count data to test the stratified design and illustrate the relationship between the fraction of the filter counted (sample size) with accuracy and variance in the extrapolated total sample count and the corresponding analyst time savings when applied to analyzing TRWPs isolated from sediments. Based on the results, a particle enumeration tool was created in Microsoft Excel Visual Basic Ⓡ configured using a 47 mm gridded filter, and the source is available for free modification under the same open license.•Vacuum-plated microparticles are often highly abundant and not homogenously distributed across a filter.•A random sampling selection data tool was created using knowledge of particle distribution.•Method describes how to structure and use partial filter counts to extrapolate for total particle enumeration., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

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. [Display omitted] • 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [Display omitted] • 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 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Thermal properties of dry mixtures of mine tailings and tire crumbs are studied. [•] Increase in tire crumb reduces thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity. [•] A multiple linear regression model for predicting thermal conductivity is proposed. [•] An analysis chart for estimating volumetric heat capacity is established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tire particles (TP) represent a significant component of urban air pollution (PM), constituting more than 10% of PM10 mass at urban locations with heavy traffic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of size-fractionated TP in an animal exposure model frequently used to assess the health effects of air pollutants. Potential pro-inflammatory and toxic effects of TP2.5 (<2.5μm) and TP10 (<10μm) were investigated through instillation of suspensions of these materials in BALB/c mice. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was screened for total protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and β-glucuronidase (B-Gluc) as markers of cytotoxicity; glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as markers of oxidative potential; and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), and inflammatory cells as markers of inflammation. Concomitantly, histological analysis of TP-exposed lungs was performed. A single intratracheal instillation of 10μg/100μl, 100μg/100μl or 200μg/100μl was performed, and after 24h mice were euthanized and BALF examined. Inflammatory cellular profiles showed dose-dependent responses after TP10 exposure, while strong cytotoxic effects, including increases in total protein, LDH and AP, were observed to be associated to TP2.5 exposure. Histologically, TP10-treated lungs mainly showed inflammatory tissue infiltration, in contrast to TP2.5-treated lungs, where lysis of the alveolar barrier appeared to be the most characteristic lesion. Our biochemical, cytological, and histological results indicated differential lung toxicity mechanisms elicited by size-fractionated TP, in agreement with other studies performed in in vivo systems that have shown that lung responses to inhaled or instilled particles are affected by particle size. We conclude that lung toxicity induced by TP10 was primarily due to macrophage-mediated inflammatory events, while toxicity induced by TP2.5 appeared to be related more closely to cytotoxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The potential toxicity of tire debris organic extracts on human alveolar epithelial cells (A549) was investigated. We analysed time- and dose dependent modifications produced on plasma membrane molecular composition and on lipid microdomains expression (caveolae and lipid rafts) that represent specific signalling platforms. Cells were exposed to increasing organic extract concentrations (10, 60 and 75μg/ml) for 24, 48 and 72h. An up to three fold dose and time dependent increase in specific protein markers of lipid microdomains was found, suggesting a corresponding increase in signalling platforms. Since the total pool of these plasma membrane markers was unchanged, we supposed that these proteins were translocated within the plasma membrane as to assemble the newly formed lipid microdomains. Despite no major modifications in lipid bilayer composition, a time- and dose dependent toxic effect was documented at 48h of exposure by an increase of cells positive to Trypan Blue assay. After 48h a dose dependent increase in the cell medium of the cytosolic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase was also observed, indicating greater damage of the plasma membrane as prenecrotic sign. The overall ultrastructural morphology of the plasma membrane of treated cells was not greatly modified, suggesting that organic extracts from tire debris cause focalized discontinuities on cell surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Data on the indicators of environmental impact of tire debris, originated from the tire abrasion on roads, are extremely scarce, while it is well known that tires may produce deleterious effects. Tire debris contains significant quantities of zinc (Zn) which may be released by tire rubber. We have used tire particles (TD) produced in laboratory from new rubber. Two sets of experiments were set up to obtain eluates. One set used 50 and 100 g/L TD to produce eluates at pH 3–7. The Zn quantity was measured with a Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry. The eluates at 1%,10%,50%,100% concentrations in culture media were tested on Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna and Xenopus laevis embryos (FETAX test). The other set of experiments was performed putting 250 mg/L TD in a column with glass beads to control particle dispersion during the elution process. We demonstrate that factors such as pH, size and particles aggregation deeply influence the elution process, that the amount of Zn leached from particles is related to their aggregation rather than their quantity. These results, even though do not reflect the real environmental toxicity of the leachates, can be successfully used for comparative purposes allowing an initial assessment of the potential effect of tire derived particles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Detection and quantification of tread wear particles in the environment have been a challenge owing to lack of a robust method. This study investigated the applicability of a combination of Simultaneous Thermal Analysis (STA), Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR), and Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) in the detection and quantification of tire particles from formulated sediments. FTIR spectral data were obtained by heating 20 samples in STA. Among the 20 samples, 12 were tire granules in formulated sediments (TGIS) containing 1%, 2%, 5%, and 10% by mass of tire granules, while the remaining eight contained 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5 mg of tire granules only (TGO). The PARAFAC models decomposed the trilinear data into three components. Tire rubber materials in tire granules (RM) and a combination of water and carbon dioxide were the components identified in all samples. The linear regression analysis of score values from the PARAFAC models showed that the RM quantity predicted were comparable to measured values in both TGIS and TGO. Decomposing the overlying components in the spectral data into different components, and predicting unknown quantity in both sample types, the method proves robust in identifying and quantifying tire particles from sediments.