How Pavement Contributes to Microplastics in Local Water (And What You Can Do About It!)

Source: (All of this information came from a stellar science peer-reviewed article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389424030747)

What Are Microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that sneak into our environment, smaller than a grain of rice. They can come from many everyday things—like clothes, tires, and even the pavement beneath our feet! When it rains, stormwater carries these tiny bits into rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they can harm animals and even end up in our food.

Wait, Pavement? Really?
Yep, you read that right. Pavement is a surprising source of microplastics. Over time, roads, parking lots, and driveways wear down from traffic and weather. Tiny pieces of the material, especially if they contain plastic additives, get washed away by stormwater. These microplastics then flow into nearby waterways.

What Researchers Found

1. Different Pavements, Different Problems:

   • Asphalt and rubber pavements release more microplastics than concrete.
   • Rubber pavements, often made from recycled tires, shed the most during lab tests, while asphalt was the biggest culprit in real-world conditions.

1. Tires Play a Big Role:

   • Tire wear creates loads of microplastics, which mix with pavement particles in stormwater.

2. Traffic and Wear:

   • Heavy traffic and older, rougher surfaces lead to more microplastic pollution. Smooth concrete tends to be gentler on both tires and the environment.

Why Should We Care?
Microplastics are a big deal for the planet. They pollute water, harm fish and other wildlife, and might even affect our health. Microplastics in our bloodstream are a growing concern in the health industry. Knowing where they come from helps us figure out how to stop them.

How You Can Make a Difference
One of the best ways to reduce microplastics from pavement is to remove unnecessary pavement altogether! Many cities and towns offer stormwater incentives to homeowners and businesses that replace paved areas with permeable surfaces like grass, gardens, or gravel. These surfaces let water soak into the ground naturally, filtering out pollutants and reducing runoff. Not only does this help the environment, but it can also make your yard look great and even lower your utility bills.

Other Ways to Help

1. Use Eco-Friendly Materials:

   • Encourage your community to use durable, low-plastic pavements.
   • Support projects that test sustainable options like permeable pavers or recycled materials.

2. Support Stormwater Solutions:

   • Green spaces, rain gardens, and stormwater filters can trap microplastics before they reach waterways. Removing pavement and replacing it with permeable pavers can PAY YOU BACK on projects and home value in some areas. www.myrainplan.com

3. Drive Less:

   • Less driving means less tire and road wear—and fewer microplastics!

The Takeaway
While pavement might not be the biggest source of microplastics, it’s still part of the problem. By removing unneeded pavement and using smarter, eco-friendly materials, we can make a big impact. Every small change adds up to cleaner water, healthier wildlife, and a brighter future for everyone.

How about it—ready to tear up some old pavement and create a more eco-friendly space? Get started by searching for pavement removal incentives in your area!