The Government of United Kingdom funded a research study which suggests that tyre particles released from vehicles could be one of the larger sources of microplastics which causes marine pollution.
The study conducted is said to be first in the world to identify tyre particles as a major source of microplastics in the environment. It was previously discovered that microbeads in cosmetics and the degradation of materials such as plastic bottles and plastic bags to be the major source of microplastics in the marine environment.
The University of Plymouth which led the study by Defra reveals the information that will improve the scientific understanding of how tiny particles produced from tyres, clothing which has synthetic fiber etc. enter the oceans.
This study will be helpful in doing further research on marine plastic pollution. The impact of human activities on the marine environment is one of the factors causing pollution. The government has taken initiatives in bringing down the pollution by making people use 5p plastic bags. A ban was also enforced to stop the usage of plastic straws as well as plastic- stemmed cotton buds.
Tyre particles could be transported directly to the ocean with the help of the atmosphere, rainwater is also said to be a carrier of tyre particles. Researchers says, about 100 million m2 of the river networks and more than 50 million m2 of coastal water is said to be at risk of contamination by tyre particles in the United Kingdom alone.
Also see:World’s First Device To Capture Harmful Tyre Particles Invented
The research also highlights the fact that fitting filters to washing machines could be less effective than considering to change the fabric designs to reduce loss of fiber.
Another study states that with normal tear or wear of clothes could also become a source of microplastic pollution.
Domestic Marine Minister, Rebecca Pow, says "Reducing plastic pollution in the ocean is one of the greatest environmental challenges that we face. This study will help us face that challenge by identifying areas for future research, such as changes to roadside drainage and textile design. The UK is at the forefront of a global fight against the scourge of plastics. In addition to the pioneering ban on microbeads and the 5p plastic bag charge, plans are also in place to end the sale of plastic straws, stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds."
Professor Richard Thompson OBE, the head of the International Marine Litter research unit said "Scientists have long suspected that tyre debris is posing a hidden threat to the marine environment. However, there have been few studies measuring abundance in aquatic environments. Now we have a clearer indication on quantities we need to gain a better understanding on transport in the environment and the potential impacts on marine life. This study gives us a real insight into the importance of tyre wear as a source of microplastics.
However there are still many unknowns, and compared to other forms of microplastics we know relatively little about tyre wear particles. So it is important to continue to take steps to reduce emissions of better understood sources like fibres from textiles and the fragmentation of larger items."
The study was conducted by Prof. Richard Thompson OBE. He is the head of the International Marine Litter research unit. Other researchers are Dr. Imogen Napper and Florence parker- Jurd, Dr. Geoff Abbott from the school of Natural and Environmental sciences at Newcastle University who developed a breakthrough method using mass spectrometry to detect tyre-derived microplastics in the environment, Dr Stephanie Wright from Kings College London, and Simon Hann from Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd.
Source: Eurekalert
Image credits:Motoring Research
