6PPD-Quinone Removal from Highway Runoff and Its Toxicity
Faculty Mentor
Dr. George Fu
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Oral Presentation
College
Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering & Computing
Department
Civil Engineering & Construction
Abstract
6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), a transformation product of the tire additive 6PPD, has recently emerged as a contaminant of concern in urban stormwater. Tire wear particles release 6PPD during traffic, which rapidly transforms into 6PPD-Q and is transported to water bodies through runoff. Measured concentrations range from ng L⁻¹ to μg L⁻¹ and often increase during storm events. Toxicity studies show harmful effects on aquatic species at low concentrations, raising concerns for ecosystem health. Conventional stormwater systems are not designed to remove dissolved organic contaminants, which limits the removal of 6PPD-Q. Green infrastructure systems, such as bioretention cells and bioswales, offer a promising approach for treating 6PPD-Q through filtration, sorption, and biological processes. Treatment performance depends strongly on the properties of the soil media. Conventional media often show limited capacity to remove dissolved contaminants. Recent studies therefore focus on soil amendments to improve removal. Biochar has received significant attention due to its high surface area and strong adsorption capacity. Other amendments, including compost and activated carbon, also enhance removal by increasing organic carbon content and sorption sites. Removal efficiency varies with media composition, hydraulic conditions, and contaminant loading. Aging of materials and competition from other organic compounds may reduce long-term performance. Limited field studies are available to confirm laboratory results. Future work should focus on understanding removal mechanisms, validating performance at field scale, and evaluating sustainability. Soil-amended green infrastructure can provide an effective and scalable solution for reducing 6PPD-Q in urban runoff.
Program Description
.
Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Islam, Md Ariful, "6PPD-Quinone Removal from Highway Runoff and Its Toxicity" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 227.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/227
6PPD-Quinone Removal from Highway Runoff and Its Toxicity
Russell Union Ballroom
6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), a transformation product of the tire additive 6PPD, has recently emerged as a contaminant of concern in urban stormwater. Tire wear particles release 6PPD during traffic, which rapidly transforms into 6PPD-Q and is transported to water bodies through runoff. Measured concentrations range from ng L⁻¹ to μg L⁻¹ and often increase during storm events. Toxicity studies show harmful effects on aquatic species at low concentrations, raising concerns for ecosystem health. Conventional stormwater systems are not designed to remove dissolved organic contaminants, which limits the removal of 6PPD-Q. Green infrastructure systems, such as bioretention cells and bioswales, offer a promising approach for treating 6PPD-Q through filtration, sorption, and biological processes. Treatment performance depends strongly on the properties of the soil media. Conventional media often show limited capacity to remove dissolved contaminants. Recent studies therefore focus on soil amendments to improve removal. Biochar has received significant attention due to its high surface area and strong adsorption capacity. Other amendments, including compost and activated carbon, also enhance removal by increasing organic carbon content and sorption sites. Removal efficiency varies with media composition, hydraulic conditions, and contaminant loading. Aging of materials and competition from other organic compounds may reduce long-term performance. Limited field studies are available to confirm laboratory results. Future work should focus on understanding removal mechanisms, validating performance at field scale, and evaluating sustainability. Soil-amended green infrastructure can provide an effective and scalable solution for reducing 6PPD-Q in urban runoff.
