Leaching of Tire Wear Particles Additives Under Controlled Physicochemical Conditions

Tire particles, generated from everyday road use, are a significant source of non-exhaust emissions. As data increasingly reveals their widespread environmental presence, it is crucial to understand the pollutant loads inherited in these particles and those sorbed onto them. Tire wear consists of various components, including additive chemicals, aromatic oils, synthetic rubbers, and natural rubbers. Among these, 6PPD, 6PPD-quinone and Hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM) are of particular concern because of its acute and chronic toxicity effects on aquatic organisms. Several precursor and transformation products of these compounds has been detected in waters bodies, particularly following road runoff after rain events, suggesting their presence in aquatic systems. This study investigates the leaching kinetics of tire wear particles and the associated chemical additives under controlled conditions. Using LC-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry, we perform high-resolution and accurate mass measurements to enhance molecular identification and quantification, employing both targeted and untargeted approaches. Quadruplicates tire particle samples are incubated in Milli-Q water, artificial seawater and sterilized water from Lavaca River for one month. Following the incubation, the sample were extracted through solid-phase extraction, and analyzed for targeted tire additives and a untargeted chemical profile. Although the research is ongoing, our preliminary data will guide a more comprehensive study aimed at understanding the role of environmental factors in leaching of additives from tire wear particles.

Presentation Preference: Oral

Primary Presenter: Nigel Lascelles, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi/NOAA NOS NCCOS (nigellascelles@yahoo.com)

Authors:

Hussain Abdulla, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi  (hussain.abdulla@tamucc.edu)

Justin Elliott, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi  (jelliott11@islander.tamucc.edu)

Leah Cogar, Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi  (lcogar@islander.tamucc.edu)