Summary
Researchers are studying how to remove tiny pieces of plastic from car tires that end up in water bodies. These particles carry harmful chemicals that affect both aquatic life and people. Scientists are testing materials like wood chips and biochar to filter these particles from water before they reach larger water systems.
Key Facts
- Microplastic particles come from car tires wearing down on roads.
- These particles wash into waterways and can harm fish, crabs, and other aquatic animals.
- A chemical called 6PPD-Q found in tires is linked to fish deaths and is present in human urine, but its effects on humans are still being studied.
- The chemical 6PPD-Q is mainly from the material added to tires to keep them from breaking down.
- In Mississippi, a study found over 30,000 tire particles in stormwater.
- Biochar and wood chips can remove about 90% of tire particles from water in tests.
- Scientists are working on ways to stop these particles from entering larger water bodies.
