CEST2025

Tire wear particles (TWPs) are one of the dominant sources of microplastics. When TWPs enter ecosystems, they can leach certain plastic additives that may be potentially toxic to the environment. However, little is known about the effects of TWPs on non-target organisms. This study aims to determine the effects of extracts derived from TWPs on lichens using different physiological and biochemical parameters. Each lichen species was exposed to five different concentrations of leachates for 1 hour, and endpoints were measured every 24 hours for 3 days. TWP leachates were toxic to lichens. Our results indicate that TWP leachates negatively affect lichen viability, although more field data on TWPs and their leachate concentrations are needed to fully assess the environmental impacts of TWPs.