Concentration and distribution of microplastics from tire abrasion

A significant proportion of microplastics in the environment does not come from packaging or cosmetics, but from vehicle tire abrasion. Across Germany, more than 117,000 tons are emitted every year through tire abrasion. These so-called TRWP (tyre and road wear particles) are caused by mechanical friction on roads and enter urban drainage systems via precipitation, ultimately ending up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. MicroBubbles is developing an innovative flotation technology to remove microplastics and tire wear particles from rainwater drainage systems before they enter the environment. Conventional systems are often unable to effectively retain these fine particles. The company commissioned Fraunhofer UMSICHT to identify the quantity and distribution of tire wear particles in Paderborn. Using its specially developed Tyre Wear Mapping (TWM) model, Fraunhofer UMSICHT records how much tire wear (TRWP) occurs in the Paderborn region, where the highest levels of pollution are concentrated, and which rainwater drainage systems (REA) are particularly heavily contaminated with microplastics. The model links traffic data, road categories, and settlement structures with physical emission factors, providing a detailed, spatially resolved analysis of TRWP distribution. The results create a reliable basis for decisions on measures to reduce microplastics in the environment in a targeted manner.

Cities and municipalities are faced with the challenge of effectively reducing microplastic emissions from road traffic, but often lack reliable data on where exactly action is needed. This is exactly where the TRWP-Paderborn project comes in.

Through model-based analysis, the project provides a sound data basis that shows how much tire abrasion occurs, where the pollution hotspots are located, and which rainwater drainage systems are particularly affected. This information enables local authorities, specialist agencies, and technology providers to implement measures where they will have the greatest effect—for example, through technical retrofits, adjustments to urban planning, or the targeted use of innovative optimization systems for REA.

In addition, the project will show the extent to which future developments such as electric mobility, speed limits, and climate change could influence the pollution situation and how this could contribute to the development of long-term environmental strategies.

The TRWP-Paderborn project delivers concrete, practical results:

• Georeferenced hotspot maps with integrated quantity estimates for passenger car, truck, and total abrasion
• An interactive online map application for visualizing the pollution situation
• Quantity estimates for all catchment areas of rainwater relief systems
• Technology assessment and efficiency comparisons
• Scenario calculations for electric mobility, speed limits, heavy rain, or increased use of street sweepers

A ranking of the most affected systems also provides a clear basis for decision-making when prioritizing measures. These results provide a well-founded toolbox for taking scientifically sound, targeted, and effective action against tire abrasion entering the environment.

• MicroBubbles GmbH