Tyres polluting oceans with microplastics

TYRES are a major source of the microplastics contaminating rivers and oceans, scientists have discovered.

The average tyre sheds up to 50 per cent of its tread weight into the environment due to friction and heat as vehicles drive along roads.

Tyre particles enter the marine environment through overflowing storm drains close to roads, treated wastewater and from the air close to roads.

Researchers say that tyres are a ‘substantial source’ of microplastics, which measure less than 5mm (a fifth of an inch) and are a risk to seabirds and fish. The synthetic rubber that tyres are mostly made from is classed as a microplastic by experts.

The major government-funded study, involving King’s College London, the University of Plymouth and Newcastle University, is one of the first to identify tyres as a major contributor to microplastic pollution.

Co-author Professor Richard Thompson, from the University of Plymouth, said: ‘Scientists have long suspected that tyre debris is posing a hidden threat to the marine environment.

‘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.’ Tyres pollute more the faster cars are driven, and as brake pads become worn they also contribute to the problem. Recent reports from Germany, Norway, Sweden and Denmark estimate that tyre wear accounts for around half of microplastics in these countries. It is hard to find and measure the materials in the environment, but it is estimated that up to 136,000 tons a year end up in European waters alone. The researchers sampled tyre particles around Bristol and Plymouth, with airborne particles collected from within up to 50 metres of urban and rural roads and motorways.

They found tyre particles can travel ‘considerable distances’ either directly through the atmosphere to the ocean or carried by rainwater into rivers and sewers where they can enter the water treatment process.

Academics estimate this could place around 100million square metres of the UK’s river network – and more than 50million square metres of estuarine and coastal waters – at risk of contamination by tyre particles.

Professor Thompson said: ‘It is important to work together with industry and policy-makers to identify potential solutions which may include changes in behaviour, changes in product design and waste management.’

The Daily Mail has campaigned against plastic waste for more than a decade, leading to a ban on the plastic microbeads previously used in face scrubs, toothpastes and shower gels.

Environment minister Rebecca Pow said: ‘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.’