Harmful tire particles found in the Arctic
Research conducted by the Gubkin University of Oil and Gas (NIU) in collaboration with the Far Eastern Federal University has confirmed that particles formed during tire and road wear enter the Arctic seas and affect the genome of marine animals, as well as potentially entering the human body, reports "Scientific Russia".
According to the scientists, the particles disrupt the reproduction, growth, and development of animals, causing mutations and malignant tumors, while the polyurethane varnish in their composition transforms the process of biosynthesis of amino acids in DNA cells.
The particles enter the Arctic Ocean from Siberian rivers such as the Lena, Yenisei, and Kolyma, and marine currents, becoming food for zooplankton. In turn, they are eaten by fish, birds, and marine mammals, some of which are caught commercially and enter the human diet.
Analysis of samples has shown that, in addition to polymers and resins, the particles contain impurities of asphalt, gasoline, automotive oils, and paint coatings. The average mass of the particles is 0.55 mg, and the size is 1.2 mm x 1.10 mm.
For three years, scientists have been studying the state of the marginal seas of the Arctic Ocean - the Barents, Pechora, Kara, Laptev, East Siberian, and Chukchi - taking microplastic samples to determine its composition and impact on the biosphere.
According to Elena Mazlova, head of the department of industrial ecology at Gubkin University, "the marginal seas were chosen because they are critically important components of the Arctic ecosystem. They have a significant impact on climate change on the entire planet. The ecosystem of the Arctic Ocean is one of the most vulnerable on Earth".
"Until now, the physicochemical characteristics of tire and road particles entering the environment have not been described, which did not allow us to find a way to combat these pollutants. This is an important task, since the pollution of the Arctic seas has a negative impact not only on marine animals but also on the health of residents of Russia and other countries," Mazlova said, adding that "the study of the physicochemical characteristics of tire and road particles entering the ocean opens up opportunities for finding a way to recycle them. This will be the next stage of the study".
"Scientific Russia" notes that the impact of tire particles on the environment began to be studied only about 10 years ago, and American biologists first drew attention to this type of pollutant. Plastic fragments similar to tire pieces were found near roads, and eventually, scientists came to the conclusion that these particles have a very significant impact on the environment. A number of studies have been conducted showing that products of tire wear account for from 35% to 85% of all microplastic particles entering terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. According to the portal, a truck tire loses almost 1.2 kg of rubber over its lifespan, as a result of which only in the USA, 1.8 million tons of tire particles are released into the environment every year.
Photo: goarctic.ru