Occurrence of microplastics derived from tyres in bottom sediments of Guanabara Bay, Brazil: a form of pollution that is neglected or difficult to detect?

Abstract

This study aimed to detect and characterize tyre wear particles (TWPs) in sediment samples from Guanabara Bay, an area where microplastics (MPs) have been extensively studied, but TWPs have not been specifically reported. Nine sediment samples were collected from different locations across the bay and processed using peroxide degradation to remove organic matter, followed by floatation and filtration to isolate MPs. TWPs were identified using binocular stereo microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed significant quantities of TWPs in the bay sediments, although exact quantification was hindered by the particles’ size variability and suboptimal sedimentation systems. These findings underscore the need for improved methodologies to accurately quantify TWPs in coastal environments, potentially through the development of specific TWP markers. Future research directions are also discussed.

Keywords

Marine contamination / chemical pollutants / microplastic analytical methods / urban runoff / coastal waters

References

[1] Andrady AL.The plastic in microplastics: a review.Mar Pollut Bull2017;119:12-22

[2] Galgani F,Maes T.Global distribution, composition and abundance of marine litter. In: Bergmann M, Gutow L, Klages M, editors. Marine Anthropogenic Litter. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2015. pp. 29-56.

[3] Costa MF.Microplastics in coastal and marine environments of the western tropical and sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean.Environ Sci Process Impacts2015;17:1868-79

[4] Woodall LC,Canals M.The deep sea is a major sink for microplastic debris.R Soc Open Sci2014;1:140317 PMCID:PMC4448771

[5] do Sul JA, Costa MF. The present and future of microplastic pollution in the marine environment.Environ Pollut2014;185:352-64

[6] Cole M,Halsband C.Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: a review.Mar Pollut Bull2011;62:2588-97

[7] Luo Z,Su Y.Environmental occurrence, fate, impact, and potential solution of tire microplastics: similarities and differences with tire wear particles.Sci Total Environ2021;795:148902

[8] Redondo-Hasselerharm PE,Mintenig SM,Koelmans AA.Ingestion and chronic effects of car tire tread particles on freshwater benthic macroinvertebrates.Environ Sci Technol2018;52:13986-94 PMCID:PMC6284208

[9] Sieber R,Nowack B.Dynamic probabilistic material flow analysis of rubber release from tires into the environment.Environ Pollut2020;258:113573

[10] Evangeliou N,Klimont Z.Atmospheric transport is a major pathway of microplastics to remote regions.Nat Commun2020;11:3381 PMCID:PMC7360784

[11] Hann S,Sherrington C,Horton I. Reducing household contributions to marine plastic pollution. Available from: https://www.eunomia.co.uk/reports-tools/reducing-household-contributions-to-marine-plastic-pollution/. [Last accessed on 25 May 2023]

[12] Liu Y,Wu S.Impact of vehicle type, tyre feature and driving behaviour on tyre wear under real-world driving conditions.Sci Total Environ2022;842:156950

[13] Zhang M,Tan J.A comprehensive review of tyre wear particles: formation, measurements, properties, and influencing factors.Atmos Environ2023;297:119597

[14] Global industry tire volume to reach 2.7 billion units by 2022. Available from: https://www.smithers.com/resources/2017/dec/global-industry-tire-volume-to-reach-2-7-billion. [Last accessed on 25 May 2023]

[15] Ren Q,Hu S.Novel photothermal pyrolysis on waste fan blade to generate bisphenol A.JAAP2023;169:105828

[16] Chen H,Huang H.A regional difference analysis of microplastic pollution in global freshwater bodies based on a regression model.Water2020;12:1889

[17] Dannis ML.Rubber dust from the normal wear of tires.Rubber Chem Technol1974;47:1011-37

[18] Canepari S,Astolfi ML.Release of particles, organic compounds, and metals from crumb rubber used in synthetic turf under chemical and physical stress.Environ Sci Pollut Res Int2018;25:1448-59

[19] Wik A.Occurrence and effects of tire wear particles in the environment--a critical review and an initial risk assessment.Environ Pollut2009;157:1-11

[20] Rhodes EP,Mays DC.Zinc leaching from tire crumb rubber.Environ Sci Technol2012;46:12856-63

[21] Castro RO,Marques MRC.Evaluation of microplastics in Jurujuba Cove, Niterói, RJ, Brazil, an area of mussels farming.Mar Pollut Bull2016;110:555-8

[22] Figueiredo GM.Suspended microplastics in a highly polluted bay: Abundance, size, and availability for mesozooplankton.Mar Pollut Bull2018;135:256-65

[23] Alves VEN.Microplastic in the sediments of a highly eutrophic tropical estuary.Mar Pollut Bull2019;146:326-35

[24] Olivatto GP,Montagner CC,Carreira RS.Microplastic contamination in surface waters in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Mar Pollut Bull2019;139:157-62

[25] Silva MM,Castro RO.Dispersal of potentially pathogenic bacteria by plastic debris in Guanabara Bay, RJ, Brazil.Mar Pollut Bull2019;141:561-8

[26] Castro RO,Marques MRC.Spatio-temporal evaluation of macro, meso and microplastics in surface waters, bottom and beach sediments of two embayments in Niterói, RJ, Brazil.Mar Pollut Bull2020;160:111537

[27] Carvalho DG, Baptista Neto JA. Microplastic pollution of the beaches of Guanabara Bay, Southeast Brazil.Ocean Coast2016;128:10-7

[28] Birnstiel S,da Gama BAP.Depuration reduces microplastic content in wild and farmed mussels.Mar Pollut Bull2019;140:241-7

[29] Worek J,Białas A,Kawoń K.Pollution from transport: detection of tyre particles in environmental samples.Energies2022;15:2816

[30] Degaffe FS.Leaching of zinc from tire wear particles under simulated estuarine conditions.Chemosphere2011;85:738-43

[31] Liu F,Borregaard AR.Microplastics in urban and highway stormwater retention ponds.Sci Total Environ2019;671:992-1000

[32] Ribeiro AM,Franco CF,Pereira Netto AD.Seasonal variation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations in urban streams at Niterói City, RJ, Brazil.Mar Pollut Bull2012;64:2834-8

[33] Franco CFJ,de Almeida Furtado L,Eberlin MN.Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in street dust of Rio de Janeiro and Niterói, Brazil: Particle size distribution, sources and cancer risk assessment.Sci Total Environ2017;599-600:305-13

[34] Baptista Neto JA, Smith BJ, Mcallister JJ. Concentrações de metais pesados em sedimentos de escoamento superficial urbano: implicações quanto à qualidade ambiental em Niterói/RJ - Brasil. Available from: https://pesquisadores.uff.br/academic-production/concentra%C3%A7%C3%B5es-de-metais-pesados-em-sedimentos-de-escoamento-superficial-urbano. [Last accessed on 25 May 2023]

[35] Pereira E,Smith BJ.The contribution of heavy metal pollution derived from highway runoff to Guanabara Bay sediments -- Rio de Janeiro/Brazil.An Acad Bras Cienc79:739-50

[36] Baptista Neto JA,Da Fonseca EM.Concentrations and physicochemical speciation of heavy metals in urban runoff sediment from São Gonçalo—Rio de Janeiro/Brazil.Environ Earth Sci2016;75

[37] Mcallister JJ,Baptista Neto JA.The presence of calcium oxalate dihydrate (weddellite) in street sediments from niterói, brazil and its health implications.Environ Geochem Health2000. 22, 195-210

[38] McAlister JJ,Neto JB.Geochemical distribution and bioavailability of heavy metals and oxalate in street sediments from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: a preliminary investigation.Environ Geochem Health2005;27:429-41

[39] Maltby L,Forrow DM,Betton CI.The effects of motorway runoff on freshwater ecosystems: 2. Identifying major toxicants.Environ Toxicol Chem1995;14:1093-101

[40] Soares-gomes A,Baptista Neto J.An environmental overview of Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro.Reg Stud Mar2016;8:319-30

[41] Kjerfve B,Dias GT,Da Silva Quaresma V.Oceanographic characteristics of an impacted coastal bay: Baía de Guanabara, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Cont Shelf Res1997;17:1609-43

[42] Catanzaro LF,Guimarães MSD.Distinctive sedimentary processes in Guanabara Bay - SE/Brazil, based on the analysis of echo-character (7.0 kHz).Rev Bras Geof2004;22:69-83

[43] Neto JAB,Leipe T.Spatial distribution of heavy metals in surficial sediments from Guanabara Bay: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Environ Geol2006;49:1051-63

[44] Fonseca E,Silva C,Smith B.Stormwater impact in Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro): Evidences of seasonal variability in the dynamic of the sediment heavy metals.Estuar Coast Shelf Sci2013;130:161-8

[45] Carreira RS,Readman JW,Macko SA.Changes in the sedimentary organic carbon pool of a fertilized tropical estuary, Guanabara Bay, Brazil: an elemental, isotopic and molecular marker approach.Mar Chem2002;79:207-27

[46] Covelli S,Acquavita A,Bonardi M.Spatial variation, speciation and sedimentary records of mercury in the Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil).Cont Shelf Res2012;35:29-42

[47] Vilela CG,Macedo MC.Late Holocene evolution and increasing pollution in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, SE Brazil.Mar Pollut Bull2014;79:175-87

[48] do Nascimento MTL,Felix LC.Determination of water quality, toxicity and estrogenic activity in a nearshore marine environment in Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil.Ecotoxicol Environ Saf2018;149:197-202

[49] Carvalho Aguiar VM, Abuchacra PFF, Neto JAB, de Oliveira AS. Environmental assessment concerning trace metals and ecological risks at Guanabara Bay, RJ, Brazil.Environ Monit Assess2018;190:448

[50] Thompson RC,Mitchell RP.Lost at sea: where is all the plastic?.Science2004;304:838

[51] Cowger W,Gray A.Microplastic spectral classification needs an open source community: open specy to the rescue!.Anal Chem2021;93:7543-8

[52] Rødland, E.S., 2019. Ecotoxic potential of road-associated microplastic particles (RAMP). Available from: https://vannforeningen.no/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/R%C3%B8dland.pdf. [Last accessed on 25 May 2023]

[53] Magni S,Maggioni D.Ecological impact of End-of-Life-Tire (ELT)-Derived rubbers: acute and chronic effects at organism and population levels.Toxics2022, 10, 201 PMCID:PMC9144162

[54] Ziajahromi S,Hornbuckle A,Leusch FDL.Microplastic pollution in a stormwater floating treatment wetland: detection of tyre particles in sediment.Sci Total Environ2020;713:136356

[55] Parker-Jurd FNF,Abbott GD,Thompson RC.Quantifying the release of tyre wear particles to the marine environment via multiple pathways.Mar Pollut Bull2021;172:112897

[56] Oliveira LCD,Villena HH,Drabinski TL.The use of sidescan sonar to detect large benthic marine debris in Niterói Harbor-Guanabara Bay/SE Brazil.Braz J Geophys2022;39:295

[57] Torretta V,Ragazzi M,Istrate IA.Treatment and disposal of tyres: Two EU approaches. A review.Waste Manag2015;45:152-60

[58] Järlskog I,Rausch J,Strömvall AM.Concentrations of tire wear microplastics and other traffic-derived non-exhaust particles in the road environment.Environ Int2022;170:107618

[59] Arias AH,Girones L,Marcovecchio JE.Synthetic microfibers and tyre wear particles pollution in aquatic systems: Relevance and mitigation strategies.Environ Pollut2022;295:118607

[60] Alexandrova O,Allen JO.Impact of asphalt rubber friction course overlays on tire wear emissions and air quality models for phoenix, arizona, airshed.Transp Res Rec2007;2011:98-106

[61] Acevedo B,Barriocanal C.Identification of polymers in waste tyre reinforcing fibre by thermal analysis and pyrolysis.J Anal Appl Pyrolysis2015;111:224-32

[62] Moghaddamzadeh S.The effect of polyester recycled tire fibers mixed with ground tire rubber on polyethylene composites. Part I: Morphological analysis.Prog Rubber Plast Recycl Technol2018;34:200-20

[63] Thai QB,Nguyen PT.Recycling of waste tire fibers into advanced aerogels for thermal insulation and sound absorption applications.J Environ Chem Eng2020;8:104279

[64] Page TS,Koski M,Nielsen TG.Toxicity of tyre wear particle leachates to marine phytoplankton.Aquat Toxicol2022;252:106299

[65] Garrard SL,Thompson RC.Tyre particle exposure affects the health of two key estuarine invertebrates.Environ Pollut2022;314:120244

[66] Baensch-Baltruschat B,Stock F.Tyre and road wear particles (TRWP) - a review of generation, properties, emissions, human health risk, ecotoxicity, and fate in the environment.Sci Total Environ2020;733:137823

[67] Wagner S,Klöckner P,Hofmann T.Tire wear particles in the aquatic environment - a review on generation, analysis, occurrence, fate and effects.Water Res2018;139:83-100

[68] White JL. Rubber processing technology- materials, principles. 1995. Available from: https://books.google.com.hk/books/about/Rubber_Processing.html?id=qgHkwAEACAAJ&redir_esc=y. [Last accessed on 25 May 2023]

[69] Smolders E.Fate and effect of zinc from tire debris in soil.Environ Sci Technol2002;36:3706-10

[70] Bocca B,Petrucci F,Izzo P.Metals contained and leached from rubber granulates used in synthetic turf areas.Sci Total Environ2009;407:2183-90

[71] Llompart M,Pablo Lamas J,Roca E.Hazardous organic chemicals in rubber recycled tire playgrounds and pavers.Chemosphere 2013. 90, 423-431

[72] Ruffino B,Zanetti MC.Environmental-sanitary risk analysis procedure applied to artificial turf sports fields.Environ Sci Pollut Res Int2013;20:4980-92

[73] Song J,Jongmans-hochschulz E,Gerdts G.The travelling particles: community dynamics of biofilms on microplastics transferred along a salinity gradient.ISME COMMUN2022;2 PMCID:PMC9723596

[74] Sathicq MB,Di Cesare A.PET particles raise microbiological concerns for human health while tyre wear microplastic particles potentially affect ecosystem services in waters.J Hazard Mater2022;429:128397

[75] Lamprea K,Mirande-Bret C,Gromaire MC.Alkylphenol and bisphenol A contamination of urban runoff: an evaluation of the emission potentials of various construction materials and automotive supplies.Environ Sci Pollut Res Int2018;25:21887-900

[76] Staniszewska M,Nehring I.The fate of bisphenol A, 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol leached from plastic debris into marine water--experimental studies on biodegradation and sorption on suspended particulate matter and nano-TiO₂.Chemosphere2016;145:535-42

[77] Santos ADO,Carvalho DG,Bila DM. Evaluation of the presence of Bisphenol A and microplastics in the bottom sediments of Guanabara Bay. Available from: http://uest.ntua.gr/naxos2018/proceedings/pdf/117_NAXOS2018_Santos_etal.pdf. [Last accessed on 25 May 2023]

[78] ECHA (European Chemicals Agency). Annex XV restriction report version 0.1, 7 October 2022. Available from: https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/450ca46b-493f-fd0c-afec-c3aea39de487. [Last accessed on 25 May 2023]

[79] Mattonai M,Modugno F.Analytical strategies for the quali-quantitation of tire and road wear particles - A critical review.TrAC Trends in Anal Chem2022;154:116650

[80] Rødland ES,Reid M.Characterization of tire and road wear microplastic particle contamination in a road tunnel: From surface to release.J Hazard Mater2022;435:129032

[81] Rauert C,Okoffo ED,Meland S.Challenges with quantifying tire road wear particles: recognizing the need for further refinement of the ISO technical specification.Environ Sci Technol Lett2021;8:231-6

[82] Rauert C,Okoffo ED.Concentrations of tire additive chemicals and tire road wear particles in an Australian urban tributary.Environ Sci Technol2022;56:2421-31

[83] Rausch J,Perseguers S,Grobéty B.Automated identification and quantification of tire wear particles (TWP) in airborne dust: SEM/EDX single particle analysis coupled to a machine learning classifier.Sci Total Environ2022;803:149832

[84] Gillibert R,Callegari A.Raman tweezers for tire and road wear micro- and nanoparticles analysis.Environ Sci : Nano2022;9:145-61

[85] Harrison RM.Measurement of tyre dust particles in the atmosphere using chemical tracers.Atmos Environ2023;298:119607