A major government-funded research study published today suggests
particles released from vehicle tyres could be a significant and
previously largely unrecorded source of microplastics in the
marine environment.
The study is one of the first worldwide to identify tyre
particles as a major and additional source of microplastics.
Scientists have previously discovered microplastics, originating
from microbeads in cosmetics and the degradation of larger items
such as carrier bags and plastic bottles, in marine environments
globally - from the deep seas to the Arctic.
Following the government’s ban on rinse off microbeads, which is
one of the toughest in the world, the Defra-funded study led by
the University of Plymouth now reveals vital new information that
will improve our scientific understanding of how tiny particles
from tyres, synthetic fibres from clothing and maritime gear also
enter the ocean.
This project will be used to guide future research already
underway on marine plastic pollution and the impact of human
activities on the marine environment, as the Government continues
in its fight against the scourge of plastics. This includes the
5p plastic bag charge – which has led to 15 billion fewer bags
distributed – and plans to end the sale of plastic straws and
stirrers and plastic-stemmed cotton buds later this year.
The study shows the tyre particles can be transported directly to
the ocean through the atmosphere, or carried by rainwater into
rivers and sewers, where they can pass through the water
treatment process. Researchers estimate this could place around
100million m² of the UK’s river network – and more than 50million
m² of estuarine and coastal waters – at risk of contamination by
tyre particles.
Its findings also highlight some of the optimal places for
intervention, for example, that fitting filters to washing
machines could be less effective than changing fabric designs to
reduce fibre loss, with another study at the University having
recently shown that normal wear and tear when wearing clothes is
just as significant a source of microplastic pollution as release
from laundering.
Domestic Marine Minister, , 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.
“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.”
The study was directed by Professor Richard Thompson OBE, Head of
the International Marine Litter Research Unit, and Plymouth
researchers Dr Imogen Napper and Florence Parker-Jurd. It also
involved 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.
Professor Thompson oversaw Defra’s first research project on
microplastics and their impact on marine life nearly a decade
ago. It was this, and some of his team’s subsequent work, that
led to the UK’s pioneering ban on microbeads in rinse-off
personal care products coming into force in 2018.
Professor Richard Thompson OBE, 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.
“What this study also does is provide further evidence of the
complex problems posed by microplastic pollution. We have looked
at three pathways and shown that all of them are substantive
pathways to the environment. As we work to understand their
potential distribution and impacts it is important to also work
together with industry and policy makers to identify potential
solutions which may include changes in behaviour, changes in
product design and waste management.”
Defra is continuing to invest in research on waste management,
ocean littering and microplastics to support the delivery of the
government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals. This research will help identify
evidence gaps and recommendations to tackle marine plastic
pollution, both in the UK and globally.
The University of Plymouth was recently presented with the
Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for
its pioneering research into microplastics pollution and its
policy impact in the UK and globally.