Tire wear particles (TWPs) are recognized as a major non-point source pollutant that releases tire-derived chemicals (TDCs) into aquatic environments. This study investigated the leaching and transformation behavior of TDCs under different pH and ultr...
Tire wear particles (TWPs) are recognized as a major non-point source pollutant that releases tire-derived chemicals (TDCs) into aquatic environments. This study investigated the leaching and transformation behavior of TDCs under different pH and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation conditions to simulate environmental processes. Liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) was used for both targeted and suspect screening analyses. Comparative leaching tests under artificial rainwater (pH 5.5) and artificial freshwater (pH 7.8) showed that most compounds exhibited significantly higher concentrations under acidic conditions, consistent with pH-dependent variations in log D values. During a seven-day irradiation experiment, 6PPD showed a rapid decrease in concentration under UV exposure, whereas DPG exhibited gradual changes over time. Simultaneously, several transformation products (TPs) were generated from both compounds. In total, nine TPs derived from 6PPD and three from DPG were identified, each displaying distinct temporal trends in peak area. Some transformation products increased continuously under UV exposure, while others decreased or stabilized over time, indicating complex multistep pathways involving both hydrolysis and photo-oxidation reactions. Overall, the results demonstrate that both pH and UV exposure strongly influence the leaching and transformation of TDCs. These findings provide critical insights into the environmental fate and transformation mechanisms of tire-related pollutants, supporting long-term monitoring and risk assessment efforts.