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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Geoffrey AbbottORCiD
This is the authors' accepted manuscript of an article that has been published in its final definitive form by Elsevier Ltd, 2021.
For re-use rights please refer to the publisher's terms and conditions.
© 2021. Desk-based studies have suggested tyre wear particles contribute a substantial portion of microplastic emissions to the environment, yet few empirical studies report finding tyre wear. Samples were collected from three pathways to the marine environment: atmospheric deposition, treated wastewater effluent, and untreated surface runoff. Pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to detect benzothiazole, a molecular marker for tyres. Benzothiazole was detected in each pathway, emitting tyre wear in addition to other sources of microplastics. Release via surface water drainage was the principle pathway in the regions examined. Laboratory tests indicated larger particles likely settle close to their entry points, whereas smaller particles have potential for longer-range transport and dispersal. The previous lack of reports are likely a consequence of inadequate methods of detection, rather than a low environmental presence. Further work is required to establish distribution, transport potential, and potential impacts once within the marine environment.
Author(s): Parker-Jurd FNF, Napper IE, Abbott GD, Hann S, Thompson RC
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Marine Pollution Bulletin
Year: 2021
Volume: 172
Print publication date: 01/11/2021
Online publication date: 02/09/2021
Acceptance date: 20/08/2021
Date deposited: 11/10/2021
ISSN (print): 0025-326X
ISSN (electronic): 1879-3363
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112897
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112897
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