The presence of microplastics is an increasing problem as its quantity in the
environment increases significantly while its collection and disposal has not been easy.
Tire wear particles, formed by the abrasion of car tires, represent a significant part of
microplastics in the environment. The amount of tire wear particles depends on several
factors, including the characteristics of the tires, vehicles and roads, driving style, and
weather conditions. Their detection in the environment is not easy, and it is mainly the
components, called markers, that are identified and help detect and quantify tire wear
particles in various parts of the environment. Their presence has been detected in road
dust, nearby soil, surface and receiving waters, sediments, and air. The particles can
adsorb contaminants and they can then also leach them back into the environment.
Therefore, they represent a threat to organisms in the environment. Reducing the tire wear
particles pollution requires increased awareness, more efficient methods of particle
collection and disposal at the source or during transport to the environment, and the
development of new technologies focused on rubber composition and its interaction with
the road.
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