Analytical strategies for the quali-quantitation of tire and road wear particles – A critical review

The environmental threat represented by tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) has highlighted the need for effective analytical strategies for their detection and quantitation in different matrices. To date, however, there is little consensus in the literature on how to obtain reliable data on TRWPs in environmental samples, which chemical marker should be used, and how analytical results can be correlated with the amount of particulate. This review compares the analytical strategies described in the literature from a critical point of view and outlines the most crucial aspects, giving an overview of the current knowledge and discussing the analytical challenges that need to be addressed. The literature highlights the critical role played by the selection of detection and quantitation markers, the variations in the formulation of the tires, the environmental degradation pathways of TRWPs components, and the effects of the sample matrix and composition on the analytical response. • TRWPs have only recently been identified as a potential environmental threat. • Reliable analytical strategies for detection and quantitation of TRWPs in the environment are crucial. • Determination of TRWPs relies on elemental analyses or mass spectrometry-based techniques. • Literature survey highlights need for standardized protocols for detection and quantitation of TRWPs. • Quantitation of TRWPs is limited by choice of marker and correlation between amount and instrumental output.