Photoaging-Driven Transformation of Tire Wear Particles: Unraveling the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Persistent Free Radicals and Their Phytotoxic Impact
Abstract
Tire wear particles (TWPs) undergo intricate weathering that significantly influences their environmental behavior. However, the spatiotemporal evolution of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) and their associated phytotoxicity remain poorly understood. This study addresses these knowledge gaps through a 60-day lettuce cultivation experiment conducted in soils amended with both pristine and photoaged TWPs of different particle sizes. Our results reveal a photoaging-dependent response in EPFR concentrations, peaking at moderate exposure (equivalent to 280 days of sunlight) before declining with extended aging (equivalent to 605 days of sunlight). Comparatively, stable EPFRs demonstrate higher persistence than reactive EPFRs. EPFR stability also exhibits strong particle size dependence, with TWP diameters
Fields of Study & Subjects
Air Quality and Health Impacts
Plant responses to elevated CO2
Atmospheric chemistry and aerosols
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Environmental Science & Technology
- Publisher
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Volume
- 60
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 996–1006
- Publication date
- 2 January 2026
- Language
- EN