The study reveals a pronounced colonization of specific bacterial species onto the tire particles, coupled with an overall decrease in the diversity of microorganisms Biofilms developing on larger particles originating from older tires showed particularly marked differences compared to those found on naturally occurring sediment from the riverbed
Researchers emphasize these alterations impact the entire fluvial system Microbes play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter, regulating nutrient cycles and forming the foundation of aquatic food webs, functions potentially disrupted by these shifts in microbial communities The findings suggest a need for further investigation into the long-term ecological consequences of widespread microplastic pollution originating from tire abrasion
