Impact of traffic-related pollution in the aquatic environment

Traffic related pollution presents a highly relevant source of organic micropollutants for the environment as a result of tier degradation particles. While several studies have been conducted worldwide in roads as well as stormwater ponds, the scenario in the Uppsala region is still unassessed. Within this project, we are working in evaluating the traffic related pollution in stormwater ponds in the municipality of Uppsala.

However, exhausted tiers can also be recycled or dumped in landfills. These potential hotspots for traffic-related pollution are so far not investigated. The aim of this proof of concept is to investigate the potential leachate of highly toxic tier derivatives into the environment from exhausted tier landfills as well as locations with high utilization of recycled tier particles such as artificial turf sport pitches. We expect to raise awareness on the importance to monitor the leachates from these sites to prevent the invisible pollution of recipient water bodies.