Research indicates that tire wear particles are significantly altering the microbial ecosystems within the Rhine River Scientists at the University of Duisburg-Essen released findings Monday detailing the effects of various tire particle types after a four-week exposure to river currents
The study demonstrates a marked preference for certain bacterial species to colonize tire abrasion, concurrent with an overall reduction in the diversity of microorganisms present Notably, biofilms developing on larger particles from older tires showed substantial differences compared to those found on natural sediment from the riverbed
Researchers emphasize that these alterations have potential ramifications for the entire river system, as microbes play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter, the regulation of nutrient cycles and the foundation of aquatic food webs The findings suggest that increasing levels of microplastic pollution from sources like tire wear could have far-reaching effects on the Rhine’s ecological balance