Tire particles may spread antibiotic resistance

4 min read

Researchers reviewing available studies warn that tire microplastics form a distinct "tire plastisphere" that supports dense bacterial communities, can leach a complex mix of more than 200 chemicals (about two-thirds of which may leach), and become more chemically reactive as they age. These properties may increase selective pressure for resistant strains and speed horizontal gene transfer, potentially spreading antibiotic resistance genes in cities via air, storm drains, river sediment, and urban soil. The review found only seven direct studies and recommends fractionating tire leachate for toxicity testing and intercepting particles with filtration and nature-based systems.

Tire particles can create environmental hotspots for antibiotic resistance