Description
Tire wear particles and their associated toxins are the subject of this issue of LakeLine. These particles are generated from the millions of tires rolling along our roadways every day. They accumulate on our roads, in our roadside margins, drainage ditches, and in soils. From there, rainfall, snowmelt and overland runoff move them into streams and other waterways. While these tire particles can contribute turbidity and an array of chemicals to surface waters, one chemical in particular has taken center stage as a concern in our aquatic systems as a potential toxin for some fish species and other taxa. 6PPD is a chemical added to car tires to help protect the rubber from quick wear. As these tire particles and the chemicals in them oxidize, a potentially toxic compound known as 6PPDQ, or 6PPD-quinone forms, leading to concerns about toxicity in our surface waters. The authors who contributed articles to this issue of LakeLine share their work in studying, analyzing and mitigating these hazards.
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