Lost at Sea - where are all the tyre particles? (TYRE-LOSS)
Lead Research Organisation:
Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Department Name: Plymouth Marine Lab
Abstract
In the UK 330 billion road miles are driven every year, generating particles of synthetic rubber as a consequence of friction between the tyre and the road surface. It has been estimated that tyre wear could account for 65% (18,000 tonnes annually) of all microplastics released to UK surface waters. However, these estimates are in stark disagreement with environmental data where polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and PET are the main types of microplastics and on a global scale only around 1% of studies report finding any tyre particles at all. This contradiction is concerning because tyres contain a range of potentially hazardous chemicals which have been shown to cause harm to marine life.
Tyre particles are challenging to identify from environmental samples and this might explain the discrepancies between modelling estimates and actual field sampling. In this proposal, we will use an approach that has been recently trialled by the team and has shown that very substantial quantities of tyre particles are indeed entering the sea via storm water, waste water and from airborne dust.
This project will measure tyre particle concentrations at their points of entry to the marine environment and then describe their subsequent transport in the water column. We will measure concentrations in the water, sediment and marine life at increasing distances from the places where these particles enter the sea and construct and validate mathematical models to describe the dispersal of tyre particles in inshore waters. This information will then be used establish the potential for any associated risks to marine life at environmentally relevant concentrations.
The proposal brings together the Universities of Plymouth, Exeter and Newcastle, together with Plymouth Marine Laboratory and an Advisory Group comprising 14 organisations including policy makers, tyre, automobile, plastics and water industries as well as academia and environmental charities. Our research team includes world-leading experts in microplastics, marine litter, environmental chemistry, coastal dynamics and ecotoxicology who have pioneered the field with numerous collaborative projects, jointly authored papers and awards for their work. Their previous research has had significant, broad impact influencing policy and industry on a global scale to help reduce plastic contamination in the environment.
There has been considerable media attention on plastic pollution in recent years and this has translated into an urgent call for action by the public, policy makers and industry. However, current understanding of the most appropriate actions is less clear and reliable information on the relative importance and associated risks from various sources of microplastic, including tyre particles, is lacking. The outcomes of this research are therefore of critical importance to guide policy and industry intervention. The number of road vehicles is set to double by 2050 leading to increased particle emissions; however, there are interventions that could reduce the rate of tyre particle generation, hence the proposed research is both urgent and timely.
The outcomes of this project will be widely disseminated via a dedicated Work Package on communication and impact, facilitated by an Impact Champion and the Advisory Group that has been specifically assembled for the project.
Tyre particles are challenging to identify from environmental samples and this might explain the discrepancies between modelling estimates and actual field sampling. In this proposal, we will use an approach that has been recently trialled by the team and has shown that very substantial quantities of tyre particles are indeed entering the sea via storm water, waste water and from airborne dust.
This project will measure tyre particle concentrations at their points of entry to the marine environment and then describe their subsequent transport in the water column. We will measure concentrations in the water, sediment and marine life at increasing distances from the places where these particles enter the sea and construct and validate mathematical models to describe the dispersal of tyre particles in inshore waters. This information will then be used establish the potential for any associated risks to marine life at environmentally relevant concentrations.
The proposal brings together the Universities of Plymouth, Exeter and Newcastle, together with Plymouth Marine Laboratory and an Advisory Group comprising 14 organisations including policy makers, tyre, automobile, plastics and water industries as well as academia and environmental charities. Our research team includes world-leading experts in microplastics, marine litter, environmental chemistry, coastal dynamics and ecotoxicology who have pioneered the field with numerous collaborative projects, jointly authored papers and awards for their work. Their previous research has had significant, broad impact influencing policy and industry on a global scale to help reduce plastic contamination in the environment.
There has been considerable media attention on plastic pollution in recent years and this has translated into an urgent call for action by the public, policy makers and industry. However, current understanding of the most appropriate actions is less clear and reliable information on the relative importance and associated risks from various sources of microplastic, including tyre particles, is lacking. The outcomes of this research are therefore of critical importance to guide policy and industry intervention. The number of road vehicles is set to double by 2050 leading to increased particle emissions; however, there are interventions that could reduce the rate of tyre particle generation, hence the proposed research is both urgent and timely.
The outcomes of this project will be widely disseminated via a dedicated Work Package on communication and impact, facilitated by an Impact Champion and the Advisory Group that has been specifically assembled for the project.
Planned Impact
Knowledge generated through this project will be of direct benefit to government regulators and policy makers as well as industry and the general public.
Current uncertainty and disagreement about the relative importance of various sources of microplastics, and especially the importance of tyre particles is hindering interventions to reduce microplastic pollution. Government members, regulators and policy makers charged with legislation and environmental protection will benefit directly from clear evidence on the sources, quantities and impacts of tyre particles in relation to other forms of microplastic pollution. The proposal is of direct relevance to NERC's Societal Challenges (managing environmental change), the UK Government's 25 year Environment Plan (see Letter of support from Defra CEO Gideon Henderson), the UK Industrial Strategy by linking two key grand challenges, Future of mobility and Clean growth, and Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Descriptor 10: requires that EU member states keep marine litter (including microplastics) at levels that will not cause harm. Our research will also contribute in support of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 'Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development', specifically Goal 14.1 that states 'By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris'. These goals cannot be reliably addressed without accurate information on the relative importance of microplastic sources, which this proposal seeks to address.
The project will be of direct relevance to industry across the automotive sector, including the design of vehicles, tyres and braking systems as well as those involved in traffic management. This automotive industry are currently challenged with being a major source of microplastic contamination - yet the evidence to underpin this is lacking. Hence the project outcomes will be of direct relevance across the automotive sector who are keen to minimise the impacts of vehicles. In addition the outcomes are of wider relevance to those in the food industry who are concerned about contamination of fish and shellfish by microplastics and those involved in monitoring air and water quality.
To maximise dissemination and interactions with these key stakeholders we have established an Advisory Group for the project comprising: DEFRA; UK Water Industries Research, South West and Wessex Water; Mott MacDonald, the British Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association, automotive manufacturers, and Plastics Europe; Eunomia Consulting; waste and circular economy experts, Ellen MacArthur Foundation and NGOs such as the Marine Conservation Society.
The general public includes those interested in conservation of marine life, and who enjoy the marine recreational activity and seafood. Our results will provide enhanced understanding of microplastics - where they go and what effects they have. This will help with subsequent assessment of how safe it is to eat seafood and the potential influence on marine ecosystems. Ultimately such information will help inform personal choices on tyre and vehicle purchase as well as driving style. For example, there are considerable synergies between vehicle wear, efficient fuel use and tyre wear. This is relevant to increasing use of electric vehicles which are considerably heavier and typically have faster acceleration than conventional vehicles.
PDRAs and early career researchers in our consortium will have the opportunity to develop their awareness of, and skills in, science communication and knowledge transfer by; a) participating in educational outreach events run by our organisations and long term collaborator Digital Explorer, such as their 'Oceans Academies' and Skype Classrooms; b) encouraging them to write articles for the popular press and social media; c) attending NERC training on science communication.
Current uncertainty and disagreement about the relative importance of various sources of microplastics, and especially the importance of tyre particles is hindering interventions to reduce microplastic pollution. Government members, regulators and policy makers charged with legislation and environmental protection will benefit directly from clear evidence on the sources, quantities and impacts of tyre particles in relation to other forms of microplastic pollution. The proposal is of direct relevance to NERC's Societal Challenges (managing environmental change), the UK Government's 25 year Environment Plan (see Letter of support from Defra CEO Gideon Henderson), the UK Industrial Strategy by linking two key grand challenges, Future of mobility and Clean growth, and Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Descriptor 10: requires that EU member states keep marine litter (including microplastics) at levels that will not cause harm. Our research will also contribute in support of UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 'Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development', specifically Goal 14.1 that states 'By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris'. These goals cannot be reliably addressed without accurate information on the relative importance of microplastic sources, which this proposal seeks to address.
The project will be of direct relevance to industry across the automotive sector, including the design of vehicles, tyres and braking systems as well as those involved in traffic management. This automotive industry are currently challenged with being a major source of microplastic contamination - yet the evidence to underpin this is lacking. Hence the project outcomes will be of direct relevance across the automotive sector who are keen to minimise the impacts of vehicles. In addition the outcomes are of wider relevance to those in the food industry who are concerned about contamination of fish and shellfish by microplastics and those involved in monitoring air and water quality.
To maximise dissemination and interactions with these key stakeholders we have established an Advisory Group for the project comprising: DEFRA; UK Water Industries Research, South West and Wessex Water; Mott MacDonald, the British Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers Association, automotive manufacturers, and Plastics Europe; Eunomia Consulting; waste and circular economy experts, Ellen MacArthur Foundation and NGOs such as the Marine Conservation Society.
The general public includes those interested in conservation of marine life, and who enjoy the marine recreational activity and seafood. Our results will provide enhanced understanding of microplastics - where they go and what effects they have. This will help with subsequent assessment of how safe it is to eat seafood and the potential influence on marine ecosystems. Ultimately such information will help inform personal choices on tyre and vehicle purchase as well as driving style. For example, there are considerable synergies between vehicle wear, efficient fuel use and tyre wear. This is relevant to increasing use of electric vehicles which are considerably heavier and typically have faster acceleration than conventional vehicles.
PDRAs and early career researchers in our consortium will have the opportunity to develop their awareness of, and skills in, science communication and knowledge transfer by; a) participating in educational outreach events run by our organisations and long term collaborator Digital Explorer, such as their 'Oceans Academies' and Skype Classrooms; b) encouraging them to write articles for the popular press and social media; c) attending NERC training on science communication.
Organisations
Publications
Botterell Z
(2023)
An assessment of the ecosystem services of marine zooplankton and the key threats to their provision
in Ecosystem Services
Cole M
(2023)
Mussel power: Scoping a nature-based solution to microplastic debris
in Journal of Hazardous Materials
Emberson-Marl H
(2023)
Microplastics in the Arctic: a transect through the Barents Sea
in Frontiers in Marine Science
Lindeque P
(2021)
Plastics and Plankton in Our Seas
in Frontiers for Young Minds
Stevenson EM
(2024)
Selection for antimicrobial resistance in the plastisphere.
in The Science of the total environment
Sullivan E
(2023)
In situ correlation between microplastic and suspended particulate matter concentrations in river-estuary systems support proxies for satellite-derived estimates of microplastic flux
in Marine Pollution Bulletin
Description | UK dialogues on the Global Plastics Treaty |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Contribution to a national consultation/review |
Description | Butt Out: A transdisciplinary approach in understanding and addressing the risks of littered cigarette butts |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2741980 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2022 |
End | 05/2026 |
Description | Charity Donation |
Amount | $5,000 (USD) |
Organisation | Microsoft Research |
Sector | Private |
Country | Global |
Start | 03/2023 |
End | 07/2024 |
Description | Developing ecological solutions to plastic pollution |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2570152 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2022 |
End | 07/2025 |
Description | From road to sea: Exploring the biological effects of tyre particles in marine invertebrates. (Ref:4293) |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2698635 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2022 |
End | 03/2026 |
Description | Polymers from sugars: development of emerging sustainable plastics and investigation of their impact on the marine environment |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2749401 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2022 |
End | 03/2026 |
Description | Revealing the hidden identity and toxicity of priority chemical pollutants released during microplastic degradation and additive leaching in marine... |
Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
Funding ID | 2772605 |
Organisation | Natural Environment Research Council |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2023 |
End | 08/2026 |
Description | Volvo Environment Prize 2022 |
Amount | 1,500,000 kr (SEK) |
Organisation | Volvo Environment Prize |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Sweden |
Start | 12/2022 |
End | 12/2024 |
Title | Standardised toxicity test with calanoid copepod |
Description | Development and optimisation of a standardised, partial life-cycle toxicity test for microplastics and other anthropogenic particles using a calanoid copepod (Acartia tonsa) model |
Type Of Material | Physiological assessment or outcome measure |
Year Produced | 2022 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | Currently in optimisation stage. Anticipated that method will be widely used in our lab as a standard test with scope to publish and be used as a global standard. |
Title | Operational hydrodynamic forecast model of the Plymouth coastal region including the area designated for the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. |
Description | The system is run operational at Plymouth Marine Laboratory HPC and produces a 2 day forecast every day of the hourly hydrodynamic conditions. The model outputs are publicly available from PML's thredds server both in its original unstructured grid format and in a regular gridded format. Detailed forecast conditions are presented in table and grafical form for a selection of areas within the domain in a dedicated website. |
Type Of Material | Computer model/algorithm |
Year Produced | 2021 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The forecasts have been used by students of the University of Plymouth over the recent years to support their field work. The system has also provided information for sporting events within the Tamar estuary (rig racing) and the plymouth sound (SailGP 2021), and is aiding UKHO develop its new S-100 trial datasets in the Plymouth area. |
URL | https://plymouthmarineforecasts.org/ |
Description | 7IMDC Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Presented work on microplastic ecotox and chaired sessions |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Article in Fast Company |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Article entitled "Mussels can be a natural filter to remove microplastics from the ocean" |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | http://fastcompany.com |
Description | Article in Marine Industry News |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Article in marine industry news 26th July |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://marineindustrynews.co.uk/is-mussel-poo-the-answer-to-microplastics/ |
Description | Cafe Scientifique |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Gave a talk entitled "Microplastics in our marine environment: Prevalence, problems and solutions" at the Cafe Scientifique, Launceston. Was well attended with approximately 50+ people. Many interesting questions and discussion afterwards with a broad range of audience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Challenger Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presented work on microplastics ecotox studies and co-chaired |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Expert Panel on Microplastics (SCCWRP) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Worked with international experts in the field of microplastics research, coordinate by SCCWRP. Was designed to help inform Californian legal limits of thresholds on microplastics in drinking water and into coastal environments. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021,2022 |
Description | Filming for BBC Spotlight |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Filming with Spotlight - discussion on problems and solutions of microplastics in our seas |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Interview for The Times |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview and subsequent article in The Times |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Live Radio Interview |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Live Interview on BBC Radio Cornwall 09/07/21 discussing problems and solutions for microplastic pollution in the marine environment |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Media interview (Global Landscapes Forum) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interview on wider microplastics research with which I am involved, spanning various projects. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Microplastics Workshop (Human and Ecological Health Effects of Microplastics in Water Symposium) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | I presented research as part of Human and Ecological Health Effects of Microplastics in Water Symposium. Symposium was held remotely with international speakers from the microplastics community and open to public and stakeholders. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020,2021 |
Description | Podcast |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Ocean podcast with EuroNews called 'Is it possible to end ocean plastic pollution? Went live in Oct. 2022. Recorded with Jeremy Wilks and Francois Gilgani |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://www.euronews.com/green/2022/10/13/ocean-calls-podcast-is-it-possible-to-end-ocean-plastics-p... |
Description | Radio 4's Today Program |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Interviewed on Radio 4's Today Program in response to V&A's new art exhibition; "Plastic: Remaking Our World will chart the changing fortunes of a material with a more than 170-year history, encouraging visitors to think afresh about the promise and challenges of this extraordinary material." |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Socio-oceanography workshop |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Discussing plastics in the context of One Health and Socio-oceanography |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | • Article by Springwise Intelligence |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Article by Springwise Intelligence. Springwise.com is a digital journal, based in Somerset House, dedicated to discovering innovations that matter since 2002. They receive over 120,000 page views every month and have a social media audience of over 300,000. They recently dedicated an article to our project using mussels to filter the water for microplastics |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |