Marine scientists in New Zealand have discovered that vehicle tyres are the biggest source of microplastics in the ocean. These tiny bits of rubber come from tyre wear on roads and are washing into the sea, affecting marine life.
Dr Samantha Ladewig from the University of Auckland explained that about half of the rubber that comes off tyres stays on roads, while the other half ends up in the environment. This adds up to around 5,000 tonnes of rubber entering nature each year.
The research was done in coastal areas near busy roads in Auckland, including Coxs Bay and Saint Marys Bay. Tiny tyre particles were found in every sample taken from both road and coastal sediments.
The particles can be so small they’re invisible to the human eye, while larger ones are about one or two millimetres wide. Since stormwater systems often can’t catch them, these particles flow straight into the sea.
Even sea creatures that are usually careful about what they eat are swallowing these particles, which could affect how ocean ecosystems work.
Dr Ladewig said the problem comes from all kinds of vehicles, including electric cars and utes. She believes better tyre designs and new stormwater filters could help, and notes that countries around the world are starting to look for solutions.
