Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWPs) are identified as an important source of microplastics, but reported particulate emission volumes and environmental concentrations are highly variable, both spatially and temporarily. Furthermore, TWPs are known to contain a high proportion of potentially hazardous chemicals, many of which have been shown to partition to environmental matrices. To form a decision support matrix for limiting the negative consequences of such emissions, we collated the available literature data with the aim of providing insights into (i) the chemical composition of TWPs, and (ii) the distribution of TWP and TWP chemicals in various environmental compartments across Arctic and Sub-Arctic Europe. Together with identified hazard data for TWP and chemicals, the results values will be applied to identify associated risks and form a basis for mitigation actions that can reduce impacts. Here, we present a systematic review of available literature aimed at answering the following research questions (RQs): RQ1: What is the (chemical) composition of TWPs? RQ2: What are the key emission sources of TWPs and their associated chemicals in the environment? RQ3: What are the concentrations of TWPs and their associated chemicals in environmental matrices? RQ4: Which chemicals in TWPs are the most concerning in terms of persistence and toxicity to species in the environment? Peer-reviewed literature was accessed using Web of Science and the collated literature for each RQ was screened by two independent reviewers using Rayyan.