27th February: New tool detects toxic chemicals from car tyres in freshwater systems

Scientists have developed a new tool to detect whether a toxic chemical used in car tyres is present in rivers, streams and lakes.

As part of a research project carried out for DEFRA, researchers at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) have developed a new tool to detect whether 6PPD – a commonly-used additive in the manufacture of car tyres – is present in rivers, streams and lakes.

6PPD is used in tyres to prevent rubber from degrading. However, it is particularly harmful to wildlife because it reacts with ozone in the environment and degrades into a toxic compound (6PPD-quinone). This has been linked to mass deaths of salmon before they reach spawning grounds.

The chemical has also been identified as a ‘priority substance’ for monitoring by the Environment Agency’s Prioritisation and Early Warning system.