Microplastics from tyre and road wear: a literature review

Report, 2020

This literature review concerns microplastics from tyre and road wear caused by road traffic. As there
is limited knowledge about microplastics in general, and microplastics from road traffic in particular,
the Swedish Government commissioned the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute
(VTI) to, during 2018-2020, develop and disseminate knowledge about microplastics from road
traffic. The chapters in this report summarises existing knowledge about microplastics from road
traffic with respect to the following aspects: sources, spread and presence; effects on and risk to the
environment and human health; characteristics and chemical composition; tyre and road wear;
sampling methods; analysis and sample preparation; and measures. The report also includes a chapter
with overall conclusions, and a chapter about further research, development and investigation needs.
The purpose of this report is to provide a basis for reducing the generation and spread of microplastics
from road traffic. One aim of the report is to collate and disseminate knowledge about microplastics
generated by tyre and road wear, and to review the current level of knowledge. A second aim is to
identify knowledge gaps and research requirements in relation to microplastics from road traffic. This
literature review is based on a review of scientific articles and reports, as well as technical literature
and some information from experts and industry.