Tire particles can contaminate crops and enter food chain, Israeli study finds

Tire particles, a significant source of microplastic pollution globally, pose a growing threat to agricultural landscapes and the food chain, according to a new Israeli study. Annually, about 1.5 billion tires are produced worldwide, and their wear releases particles containing additives like accelerators and antioxidants.

These particles accumulate in soils and waterways through various pathways, including atmospheric deposition, road runoff, and wastewater irrigation. While scientists previously detected tire-derived chemicals in vegetables and demonstrated plant uptake in lab settings, the new research provides crucial evidence that tire particles themselves serve as ongoing sources of contamination in agricultural environments. The study replicated real-world exposure, demonstrating that tire-wear particles gradually release contaminants into the soil.

Published in Environmental Research, the study was led by Chao Gao, Prof. Benny Chefetz, and Dr. Evyatar Ben Mordechay of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. "Our research shows that tire-wear particles are not simply passive microplastics accumulating in the environment," Ben Mordechay stated. The findings underscore a significant, previously overlooked link between everyday road traffic and the potential contamination of food production systems, raising concerns about the long-term implications for food safety.

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Our research shows that tire-wear particles are not simply passive microplastics accumulating in the environment