Assessment of the nature and ecotoxicological effects of tyre wear particles

Human activities have inflicted greater pressure on earth. Pollutants like heavy metals, chemicals and plastic have made negative effect on our ecosystem. Plastic is synthetic polymer of oil and gas but light in weight and inert substance. Tyre wear particles (microplastics) are also contributing towards the number of plastic in the environment. It get longer time to degrade and thus creating environmental concerns. Notable portion of the tyre debris not only get deposited in the sediments along the roadside but also make their way in the water channels and ultimately to food chain. This study will assess the nature of tyre wear particles by using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and Scanning Electron microscopy. Ecotoxicological effects will also be determined by using different biomarkers and enzyme activities. This study will help in understanding the nature and behaviour of tyre wear particles and may help in making strategies to mitigate this global concern.