Tire and road wear particles (TRWP) constitute a threat to the environment. TRWP can easily reach soils in the proximity of road networks by airborne and discharge transport, posing the risk of TRWP accumulation in roadside soils. However, despite single records of TRWP mass concentrations the number of analyzed samples is too low and the site selection is to biased to really assess TRWP concentrations at streets. Furthermore, even less is known about the numbers, sizes, shapes and spatial distribution of TRWP in roadside soils. The upcoming GRIP project selected for funding during the first Open Call for Projects (OCP) by the Tire Industry Project (TIP) aims to this overcome this significant knowledge gab by combining a larger field sampling campaign, a novel particle-based analytical approach and cross-validated mass-estimation modelling to exploit the generated TRWP data in a geospatial modelling approach. This approach will allow to predict the spatial distribution of TRWP accumulation in soils along road networks.

Applicants: Dr Collin J. Weber and Prof. Dr Moritz Bigalke

Co-applicants: Dr Dominika Kundel (FiBL Switzerland)

Project website

Press release