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Assessing the Biodegradability of Tire Tread Particles and Influencing Factors
Ann Flemming Nielsen1, Fabio Polesel1,2, Tiia Ahonen1,3
1Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering (DTU Sustain), Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
|September 27, 2023
Summary
Tire wear particles (TWPs) show limited biodegradability, but UV weathering increases it. Natural rubber and aromatic extracts are key biodegradable components in tire tread, influencing environmental persistence.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Polymer Science
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Tire wear particles (TWPs) are a significant source of environmental pollution, contributing to microplastic, chemical, and particulate matter contamination.
- The environmental fate and biodegradability of TWPs are not well understood, posing challenges for ecological risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biodegradability of pristine and UV-weathered tire tread particles (TPs).
- To determine the contribution of individual tire constituents to TP biodegradability.
- To understand the impact of weathering on TWP environmental persistence.
Main Methods:
- Closed-bottle tests using aerobic aqueous medium and activated sludge to assess biodegradation over 28 days.
- Manometric respirometry to quantify biological oxygen consumption.
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze surface erosion due to biodegradation.
Main Results:
- Pristine TPs exhibited 4.5% biodegradability, while UV-weathered TPs showed higher rates (6.7%–8.0%).
- Natural rubber (NR) and treated distillate aromatic extracts (TDAE) were the primary contributors to TP biodegradation.
- Individual constituent biodegradability was reduced by 2-5 times when compounded into TPs, with negligible biodegradation observed for isoprene rubber (IR) and butadiene rubber (BR).
Conclusions:
- Biodegradability of TPs is influenced by UV weathering and constituent composition, with NR and TDAE being the main drivers.
- TPs persist in the environment, with weathering potentially increasing their biodegradability but also altering their composition.
- Understanding TP biodegradation is crucial for assessing their long-term environmental impact and developing mitigation strategies.
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