Toxicity assessment of tire particles released from personal mobilities (bicycles, cars, and electric scooters) on soil organisms

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials 2022-09, Vol.437, p.129362-129362, Article 129362
• Main Authors: Kim, Lia, Lee, Tae-Yang, Kim, Haemi, An, Youn-Joo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: adults; bulk density; edaphic factors; Folsomia candida; Microplastics; plant growth; progeny; soil; Soil property; species; Tire particles; toxicity; Vigna radiata
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129362

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