Tire-Wear Particles Pose Health Risks to Aquatic O | Newswise – Newswise

Adverse Health Effects of Tire-Wear Particles on Aquatic Organisms

In a study published in Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, researchers from Hangzhou Normal University have uncovered the adverse health effects of tire-wear particles (TWPs) on aquatic organisms. The study, led by Zhiquan Liu, focused on the hepatotoxicity of TWP leachates, revealing significant impacts on the gut-liver axis and oxidative stress levels in test organisms.

Threat to Biodiversity

TWPs, primarily produced through tire-road friction, are released into the environment in vast quantities. Each year, approximately 6.1 million tons of TWPs are estimated to enter aquatic ecosystems, posing a significant threat to biodiversity.

Effects on Black-Spotted Frogs

The researchers investigated the effects of TWP leachates on black-spotted frogs (Pelophylax nigromaculatus), a highly susceptible amphibian species. They found that TWP leachates induced hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and histopathology changes in the frogs. Increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of signaling pathways closely related to immunity were observed.

Disruptions in Gut Microbiota

These changes were accompanied by disruptions in the gut microbiota, with a notable increase in Proteobacteria, a major source of gut-derived endotoxic lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Such disruptions in the gut-liver axis and oxidative stress levels can lead to long-term health issues for affected organisms.

Accumulation of Zinc

The team also found that zinc, a trace metal commonly found in TWP leachates, accumulated in the intestine, liver, and kidney of the test frogs, further confirming the absorption and bioaccumulation of TWP leachates by aquatic organisms.

References

1. DOI: 10.1016/j.enceco.2024.08.004
2. Original Source URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enceco.2024.08.004

Funding Information

• This study was funded by the State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants (SEPKL-EHIAEC-202201), Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province of China (LQ22C030003), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (42207323), “Pioneer” and “Leading Goose” R&D Program of Zhejiang (2023C03130).

Journal

Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article discusses the adverse health effects of tire-wear particles on aquatic organisms, highlighting the threat to biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article mentions the hepatotoxicity of tire-wear particles on black-spotted frogs, indicating potential long-term health issues for affected organisms.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution – The article addresses the pollution caused by tire-wear particles entering aquatic ecosystems.
• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination – The article highlights the adverse health effects of tire-wear particles on aquatic organisms.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 14.1: Amount of tire-wear particles entering aquatic ecosystems – The article mentions that approximately 6.1 million tons of tire-wear particles are estimated to enter aquatic ecosystems each year.
• Indicator for SDG 3.9: Health effects on aquatic organisms – The article discusses the hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress levels, inflammation, and histopathology changes observed in black-spotted frogs exposed to tire-wear particle leachates.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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