‘Tyres may be major source of plastics pollution’

PARTICLES RELEASED from vehicle tyres could be a significant and previously largely unrecorded source of microplastics in the marine environment, according to a study.

Scientists have previously discovered microplastics – originating from microbeads in cosmetics and the degradation of large items such as carrier bags and plastic bottles – in marine environments across the world.

The study, funded by the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and led by the University of Plymouth, is one of the first worldwide to identify tyre particles as a major and additional source of the pollution. It found tyre particles can be transported to the ocean through the atmosphere, or be carried by rainwater into rivers and sewers where they can pass through the water treatment process.

Researchers say this could place 100 million square metres of the UK’s river network – and 50 million square metres of estuarine and coastal waters -– at risk of contamination.

Professor Richard Thompson, from the University of Plymouth, said: “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.”

He said it was important to continue to take steps to reduce emissions of better understood sources like textile fibres. Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said the UK was at the “forefront of a global fight against the scourge of plastics” with a ban on microbeads and the 5p plastic bag charge, and plans to end the sale of plastic straws, stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds.