Using GC–MS to Measure Tire Particles in Water

In a groundbreaking study, scientists from the United Kingdom Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) have unveiled the power of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in measuring 6PPD, a common tire additive, in water environments. This innovative approach serves as a crucial step in combating environmental pollution caused by tire-related chemicals. In a related context, advancements in analytical instrumentation are not limited to environmental monitoring alone. Analytical technologies, such as GC-UV, are also contributing to enhancing rubber production processes. A notable resource on this topic is the article “Enhancing Rubber Production with Analytical Instrumentation” (available here).

Article Highlights:

1. GC–MS in Action: Researchers from UKCEH utilized GC–MS to measure 6PPD in sediment samples from various water bodies, shedding light on the presence of tire-related pollutants.
2. Indicator of Tire Presence: While tire formulations are closely guarded secrets, common additives like 6PPD act as indicators, revealing the presence of tire materials in environmental samples.
3. Environmental Impact: Studies indicate that tire chemicals in aquatic ecosystems can harm organisms, emphasizing the urgency of monitoring and safeguarding waterways.

Challenges in Investigating Tire Chemicals:

Car tires, with their complex and proprietary formulations, present a challenge for scientific investigation. Each tire manufacturer employs unique formulations, guarded as closely held secrets. Despite this complexity, certain additives, like 6PPD, are consistently used across different tire productions.

“From a scientific perspective, car tires are a challenging material to investigate,” noted UKCEH pollution scientist Richard Cross. “Every tire manufacturer uses a different formulation and can be quite closely guarded secrets.”

GC–MS: A Game-Changer for Environmental Monitoring:

The study employed GC–MS, a well-established analytical technique renowned for its applications in monitoring environmental pollutants. The researchers successfully used this method to extract 6PPD from sediment samples, isolating it from other contaminants. The gas chromatograph separated each contaminant, and the mass spectrometer analyzed 6PPD by its mass, determining its concentration in the sediment sample.

By examining how each sediment sample location influenced the amount of 6PPD, the researchers proposed a methodology for quantifying 6PPD’s presence in water. This highlights GC–MS as a valuable tool for detecting microplastics, especially road wear particles like 6PPD, in aquatic environments.

Preserving Aquatic Ecosystems:

Aquatic ecosystems play a vital role in sustaining life on Earth, serving as habitats for numerous organisms and sources of water for various purposes. The study emphasizes the importance of preserving waterways and introduces GC–MS as a valuable technique for detecting pollutants that threaten these ecosystems.

Conclusion:

As environmental concerns escalate due to climate change and increased human waste production, the role of innovative technologies in monitoring and mitigating pollution becomes paramount. The UKCEH study showcases the potential of GC–MS in detecting tire-related pollutants, providing a crucial tool for environmental protection and sustainable water management.

References:

1. UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, About Us. Link
2. EurekAlert, New Method Measures Levels of Toxic Tire Particles in Rivers. Link
3. Demere, M. When “Identical” Tires Aren’t The Same. Popular Mechanics. Link
4. Tian, Z. et al. A Ubiquitous Tire Rubber-Derived Chemical Induces Acute Mortality in Coho Salmon. Science 2020, 371 (6525), 185–189. DOI
5. Brinkmann, M. et al. Acute Toxicity of the Tire Rubber-Derived Chemical 6PPD-quinone to Four Fishes of Commercial, Cultural, and Ecological Importance. Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett. 2022, 9 (4), 333–338. DOI
6. Werbowski, L. M. et al. Urban Stormwater Runoff: A Major Pathway for Anthropogenic Particles, Black Rubbery Fragments, and Other Types of Microplastics to Urban Receiving Waters. ACS EST Water 2021, 1 (6), 1420–1428. DOI