Signs of tire wear found on leafy vegetables
Eating plant-based meals is known to be healthier. But is this true for leafy greens? A recent study found microplastics in them, which come from tire wear.
Scientists from the University of Vienna discovered this in a field study. They found that chemical compounds from tire wear can accumulate in leafy veggies. The levels are low, but were still detected. This finding is similar to the traces of medication residues found in plant-based food.
The study was published in "Frontiers in Environmental Science" and confirmed earlier results from a lab study. Researchers looked at vegetables from Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Israel. These findings could also apply to Germany, according to Thilo Hofmann from the University of Vienna's Center for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS).
From rainwater to crops
Tires contain a sophisticated blend of materials to enhance their performance and longevity. This mix includes chemical additives with hundreds of substances. During rain, the tire particles wash into sewage treatment plants, where the resulting sewage sludge is often used as fertilizer on farms. "These particles can be taken up by plants and, consequently, reach humans," said Hofmann, head of the research group.
The samples were analyzed for sixteen tire-related chemicals. "Although the levels and daily intake are thankfully low, these tire substances are still present in our food. They don't belong there," said Hofmann. Now, the focus should shift to understand the health implications. This study is a joint effort between CeMESS and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
