 Here’s what you should know about tire dust and the students’ innovative solution that promises to curb microplastic […] "'Pin It")
UK Student’s Invention Captures Tire Dust, Promises to Curb Pollution
A group of British students known as The Tyre Collective recently won this year’s James Dyson Award for an invention that captures tire dust. (Apparently car tires, not just their engines, are a major source of pollution.) Here’s what you should know about tire dust and the students’ innovative solution that promises to curb microplastic pollution.
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A dilemma and an award-winning solution
Each year in Europe, vehicles produce half a million tons of tire particles, as the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health confirms. These particles then enter the air and eventually water sources, which can cause developmental issues and lung disease in humans. Per Reuters, it’s also the second-largest source of microplastic pollution in the ocean (single-use plastic is the top offender, as you might have guessed).
That’s where The Tyre Collective comes in. Hugo Richardson, one of the members of the team, commented on their winning invention. “Everyone focuses on air pollution being directly from the engines themselves. […] But tire wear is a huge contributor to that. […] That’s partly down to its microscopic size and the fact that you don’t obviously see it all the time.”
Per Reuters’, the team’s invention is comprised of a device that fits snugly around the tire’s edges. It captures dust particles at their source by using the wheel’s aerodynamics as well as electrostatics when the vehicle is in motion. In a controlled environment during the testing phase, the team found that this solution can collect 60 percent of all airborne particles that tires emit.
Small steps toward a greener future
The Tyre Collective’s solution arrives at just the right time as the auto industry continues to shift more toward electric vehicles. Though EVs promise to curb air pollution, their heavier weights (due to heavy electric motors) could lead to an increase in air- and waterborne tire pollution.
The team is currently pursuing a patent for their design. If applied on a global level, this invention promises to help make the air and water a bit cleaner for all of us.
Learn more about what Europe is doing to help curb emissions, both in Italy and beyond. Then read up on how you can improve the air quality inside your car.
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Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.