Retreaded tires constitute a substantial segment of the commercial tire market and are an important source of tire wear particles (TWPs), yet the environmental risks of this major microplastic category remain uninvestigated. Here, we show that although the total additive mass is generally lower in TWPs from retreaded tires, these particles exhibit a markedly greater additive leaching potential, particularly for p-phenylenediamines (PPDs). Notably, the highly water-soluble additive N-isopropyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (IPPD), present at high concentrations in some retreaded-tire TWPs, is especially leachable. Correspondingly, leachates from retreaded-tire TWPs cause greater growth inhibition in Vibrio fischeri and Chlorella vulgaris than those from new or used tires. Furthermore, our numerical model projections under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 2 (SSP2) scenario show that global emissions of retreaded-tire TWPs could increase several hundred-fold by 2060. The substantial and growing risks identified in our study underscore the urgent need for broader investigations into the environmental impacts of these particles.
The study employed gas chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (GC-ICP-MS/MS) to determine the boiling point distribution of organic chlorinated compounds and quantify 58 organic chlorinated compounds in pyrolysis oil from waste plastics and tires. The method used helium as the collision gas, optimized collision gas flow rate, inlet temperature, and investigated interference from hydrocarbons, oxides and sulfides to ensure selectivity and sensitivity for chlorine detection. In the range of 1.0 mg/L to 50.0 mg/L, the calibration curves of 16 organic chlorinated compounds in n-hexane exhibited excellent linearity, with correlation coefficients above 0.999. The slope ratios of the calibration curves of the 16 chlorinated compounds versus tetrachloroethylene were in the range of 0.84 to 1.11, indicating that compound independent calibration (CIC) method could be employed. Through testing of organic chlorinated compounds in various pyrolysis oil matrices, this method showed excellent resistance to matrix interference. Based on the n-alkane boiling point/retention time calibration curve, the chlorine chromatogram was sliced into narrow cuts, using tetrachloroethylene in n-hexane as the external calibration reference, to determine the chlorine distribution across successive boiling range fractions. The chlorine content of real samples obtained by this method was consistent with organic chlorine content. The long duration chromatographic method was used to qualify and quantify 58 organic chlorinated compounds in pyrolysis oil from waste plastics and tires. The results showed that the chlorine distribution of waste plastic pyrolysis oils significantly differed from that in tire pyrolysis oils. The organic chlorinated compounds of waste plastic pyrolysis oils was concentrated in the gasoline fraction, with 1,2-dichloroethane making up over 37.9% of total organic chlorine. Conversely, organic chlorinated compounds in tire pyrolysis oils were primarily found in the diesel fraction, and most tire pyrolysis oils did not contain high levels of individual chlorinated compounds. The methods can be applied to the development and mechanistic study of high-value utilization processes for pyrolysis oils from waste plastics and tires.
Tires generate tire wear particles (TWPs) through abrasion and release complex organic and inorganic compounds via leachates. In this study, we conducted a multigenerational assessment of the marine mysid Neomysis awatschensis exposed to sublethal concentrations (0.01, 0.05, 0.1 g L-1) of tire leachate across three generations to evaluate its long-term impact on chronic endpoints. The analyzed leachate contained high concentrations of zinc and several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Four-week survival rates revealed a dose-dependent increase in mortality in all generations (F0, F1, F2). Exposure to sublethal leachate concentrations significantly reduced feeding behavior, digestive enzyme activities, and acetylcholinesterase activity from the F0 generation onward, indicating enhanced transgenerational toxicity of the tire leachate. Furthermore, oxidative stress parameters (e.g., ROS and MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activities, including GST, GPx, GR, CAT, and SOD, increased across generations, accompanied by growth retardation, delayed molting, and reduced reproductive output. These findings highlight the potential risks of tire leachate exposure to mysid populations over multiple generations.
Tire wear particles (TWPs) are an emerging environmental contaminant of global concern, yet their impacts on terrestrial systems remain poorly characterized. This study investigated the phytotoxic effects of TWPs and tire leachate (TL) on rice paddy seedlings through an integrated analysis of soil properties, microbial diversity, and plant physiology. Rice seedlings were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.1-10 g/kg soil) and TL solution (1-100%) for 28 days. Results revealed contrasting dose-response patterns: while low concentrations stimulated growth, high-dose TP significantly inhibited development and altered photosynthetic pigments concentrations. Root tissues exhibited substantial oxidative stress, characterized by significant malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. High-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing showed a restructuring of the soil microbial community, with TL exposure shifting dominant taxa toward phyla associated with the degradation of complex organic compounds. Structural integration via partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) achieved a Goodness of Fit (GoF) of 0.67, confirming a robust statistical link between tire-derived contamination and biological decline. Crucially, targeted metabolomics revealed tissue-specific metabolic reprogramming. Roots showed greater sensitivity than leaves, marked by the accumulation of stress-related amino acids (e.g., proline and GABA) and the depletion of key TCA cycle intermediates (e.g., malic and succinic acid). This indicated a metabolic shift from primary growth toward oxidative defense and energy compensation. These findings demonstrate that tire-derived contaminants pose a significant risk to the soil-plant-microbe system, highlighting root oxidative health and metabolic stability as critical endpoints for assessing the impact of traffic-related pollution on terrestrial productivity.
Annual global emissions of tire-derived antioxidants, including N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), rise due to increasing tire production. Its primary transformation product, 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), persists in terrestrial ecosystems and poses substantial ecological risks. This review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the occurrence, environmental transport, detection methods, and mechanistic impacts of 6PPD and 6PPD-Q in the terrestrial environment. These compounds are frequently detected in urban runoff, reclaimed wastewater, dust, and soils. Exposure to these contaminants inhibits plant growth, induces oxidative damage, and promotes conjugative transfer of plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance genes within rhizosphere microbial communities. Advanced analytical and molecular techniques have provided mechanistic insights into their environmental persistence and toxicity mechanisms. Engineered biochar-based approaches, particularly those incorporating pyroligneous acid, show promise for contaminant sequestration, mitigation of oxidative stress, and suppression of antibiotic resistance gene dissemination through synergistic adsorption and redox-modulating mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of the occurrence, transport, and biological interactions of these compounds is critical for predicting ecological impacts, identifying vulnerable soil-plant systems, and developing effective remediation strategies. This review highlights critical knowledge gap and outline framework for sustainable management of tire-derived antioxidants in terrestrial ecosystems.
Tire wear particles (TWPs) are a major source of nonexhaust emissions, yet their distinction from other traffic-related particles remains challenging. This study applied a molecular marker-based approach to identify and quantify TWPs in road airborne particles. We analyzed p-phenylenediamines (PPDs) in car air filters from 16 Chinese megacities, cross-validated them with rubber-derived TWPs, and quantified TWPs' contributions to traffic-related sources. Seventeen of the twenty-three PPDs (Σ17PPDs) were detected (58.9-5000 ng/g), with N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine quinone (6PPD-Q) and 4-nitrodiphenylamine contributing 36 ± 11% and 20 ± 7%, respectively, indicating the predominance of oxidation products. Rubber-derived TWPs were detected in all samples (1.52-36.4 mg/g), showing strong correlations with Σ17PPDs (r = 0.595, p < 0.001) and similar spatial patterns, supporting their coemission from tire wear. 6PPD-Q was identified as a molecular marker for airborne TWPs based on its high detection frequency, statistically significant correlation with rubber-derived TWPs, and relatively high environmental stability. Source apportionment indicated that resuspended road dust, brake wear, TWPs, and vehicular exhaust made comparable contributions of roughly one-quarter each, with nonexhaust sources collectively exceeding 75% of traffic-related emissions. These findings highlight the dominant role of nonexhaust sources in near-road urban environments and the need for their inclusion in future air quality management strategies.
Low back pain (LBP) is highly prevalent among industrial workers, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has been increasingly recognized as a factor influencing pain modulation. This study evaluated the association between OSA risk, assessed by the STOP-Bang questionnaire, and LBP among shift workers in a tire manufacturing factory. A total of 976 male shift workers from a tire manufacturing factory were analyzed. OSA risk was assessed using the STOP-Bang questionnaire and classified as low, moderate, or high. LBP and musculoskeletal pain were defined as self-reported symptoms occurring within the preceding 6 months. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Compared with workers at low OSA risk, those at moderate and high risk had significantly higher odds of LBP (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.02-2.20; p = 0.038; and OR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.20-2.55; p = 0.004, respectively). Similarly, moderate and high OSA risk were independently associated with increased odds of musculoskeletal pain (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.26-2.73; p = 0.002; and OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.26-2.68; p = 0.002, respectively). Among male shift workers, elevated OSA risk is independently associated with a higher prevalence of LBP and musculoskeletal pain. Systematic workplace screening for OSA risk using the STOP-Bang questionnaire may support occupational health assessments by identifying shift workers with elevated OSA risk who are more likely to report pain-related morbidity.
The current research evaluates the potential of incorporating shredded end-of-life tires as recycled aggregate in traditional earth blocks, proposing a sustainable alternative for the managing and valorization of this waste. Shredded tire particles at the upper granulometric limit, according to applicable regulations for this type of block, were used in various volume replacement percentages. The results reveal that the bulk density remains almost constant, increasing by 2.12% after 20% replacement, while the porosity increases progressively with reduced content, reaching a maximum of 17.63% for the same replacement. Although the mechanical properties decrease with higher replacement percentages, reaching 2.061 MPa with a 31.83% reduction in compressive strength and a 30.18% reduction in flexural strength compared to the control samples, these values still exceed regulatory requirements. In contrast, there is an optimization of thermal properties, with a minimum conductivity value of 0.66 W/m·K and improvements in erosion resistance, including reductions of up to 42.71%. Through Thermogravimetric Analysis and Optical Image Analysis tests, complementing the feasibility analysis, it is determined that this type of block is viable for masonry applications for light or non-structural loads. Likewise, the material exhibits significant improvements in erosion resistance and highlights its thermal behavior as a potential insulating element. However, polymer degradation when exposed to high temperatures limits its application due to the loss of mechanical stability and the potential risks associated with matrix degradation.
Tire wear particles (TWPs), produced by friction between tire tread and road surface, are one of the largest sources of microplastics (MPs). TWPs and conventional MPs both pose potential threats to the aquatic ecosystems and attract substantial interest. However, current reviews predominantly concentrate on conventional MPs, overlooking the critical distinctions or connections between MPs and TWPs. Here we review the contrasts between the physicochemical properties and environmental behavior of MPs and TWPs. It provides a comprehensive summary of commonly employed laboratory characterization methods for these particles, alongside an analysis of disparities in detection methodologies. Furthermore, the review delves into discrepancies between MPs and TWPs with respect to aging processes, toxic substance leaching, pollutant adsorption/desorption behavior. The diverse environmental factors and their underlying influencing mechanisms are also reviewed in detail. It is evidenced that TWPs exhibits special characteristics in the risks of all MPs types. Fortunately, most of the methodologies for both MPs and TWPs can be referenced or can be mutually optimized. We call for greater attention to the special challenges posed by TWPs and advocate for the establishment of a comprehensive methodological framework based on the well-developed research system for MPs.
Ecotourism is rapidly expanding worldwide, yet vehicle-derived emerging contaminants remain under-explored and poorly managed in protected areas. This study investigated the occurrence, cross-media transport, and ecological risks of the tire antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), its oxidation product 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), and three vehicle-related metals (Zn, Cu, and Pb) in the Jiuzhaigou World Natural Heritage Site. Jiuzhaigou is a subalpine watershed characterized by intensive shuttle-bus traffic and close road-water connectivity. Based on a summer sampling campaign during the peak tourist and wet seasons, 6PPD in road dust reached urban-comparable levels, whereas 6PPD-Q accumulation was lower than in highly urbanized settings. A clear cross-media concentration gradient was observed, with concentrations decreasing from road dust to roadside soil, sediment, and surface water. While 6PPD was ubiquitously detected across all sampled media, 6PPD-Q was confined to solid media and remained undetected in surface waters. This distinct partitioning, coupled with an increasing ratio of 6PPD/6PPD-Q from road dust to soils and sediments, indicates limited downstream enrichment of 6PPD-Q during short-range transport in this mountainous setting. Risk assessments revealed minimal to low risks in surface waters, whereas 6PPD-Q in road dust and roadside soils and Zn in road dust represented potential ecological risk hotspots. These findings demonstrate that intensive tourist traffic can generate localized near-road contaminant pressures comparable to those in urban environments, underscoring the need to manage road-water interfaces for both legacy and emerging pollutants in ecotourism destinations.
Tire wear particles (TWPs), an emerging environmental contaminant, have poorly understood impacts on cognitive function and underlying mechanisms. Herein, environmental samples from main traffic arteries were analyzed to determine TWPs concentrations, based on which Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into control, low-TWPs, and high-TWPs exposure groups. An exposure model of TWPs was established in Sprague-Dawley rats by continuous nose and mouth inhalation of TWPs for 14 and 28 days. The experimental results demonstrated that TWPs induced multiple adverse effects in rats, primarily manifested as impaired learning and memory behavior, dysbiosis of the gut microbiota, and pathological damage accompanied by impairments in the lung, brain and hippocampal tissues. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly elevated in both the Low and High concentration exposure groups. Gut microbiota shifts included reduced beneficial bacteria (e.g., norank_f_Ruminococcaceae, Eubacterium, Bacillus) and increased harmful bacteria (e.g., Turicibacter). Metabolomics analysis revealed altered metabolite levels and pathways linked to neurodegeneration and oxidative stress. Collectively, inhaled TWPs may alter gut microbiota and metabolome, potentially contributing to cognitive deficits.
The co-occurrence of tire wear particles (TWPs) and engineered nanoparticles in aquatic environments raises concerns about their combined impacts on freshwater biota. Here, we assessed sex- and size-dependent responses of adult zebrafish following 15-day exposure to control conditions, ZnO-NPs (760 μg/L), large TWPs (LTWPs, 250-380 μm; 10 mg/L), small TWPs (STWPs, <120 μm; 10 mg/L), and co-exposure treatments combining ZnO-NPs with either LTWPs or STWPs. Across endpoints, females were more sensitive than males, showing broader reductions in growth-related and organ-somatic indices. Small TWPs generally induced broader and stronger adverse effects than larger TWPs, and combined exposure to TWPs and ZnO-NPs was associated with stronger physiological and oxidative-stress responses in selected endpoints, particularly in females. Gut microbiota analyses revealed sex-dependent community restructuring, with the female co-exposure group showing a more fragmented interaction network. Female hepatic transcriptomics revealed a graded molecular response across the selected exposure scenarios, characterized by a shared stress-response core together with exposure-specific signatures related to innate immune regulation, apoptosis, proteostasis, and mitochondrial bioenergetic remodeling. WGCNA of the female hepatic transcriptome identified an immune-associated hepatic module that covaried with exposure-responsive gut bacterial genera, which were further associated with antioxidant responses and reduced body or liver weight, supporting coordinated, correlation-based multi-organ and microbiota-associated signatures under particulate stress. Collectively, these findings highlight the importance of particle size, co-exposure context, and sex-specific susceptibility in shaping the toxicity of traffic-derived particulate contaminants in freshwater organisms.
In this study, the effect of substituting waste glass aggregate and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) at different ratios (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%) on the compressive strength performance of geopolymer concretes reinforced with tire-derived textile fibers (TDTF) was investigated. A total of 22 different mixtures were prepared, and their 7-day and 28-day compressive strengths, water absorption rates, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) were determined. The results showed that TDTF improved compressive strength in both waste aggregate series, with a more pronounced contribution at 28 days. Increasing the waste glass aggregate content reduced 28-day compressive strength by 16-31% compared with the control mixture, whereas RCA mixtures showed only 1-4% strength loss up to 60% replacement and 17-19% loss at higher replacement levels. Glass aggregate mixtures generally exhibited higher early-age strength, while RCA mixtures performed better at 28 days. TDTF addition increased the 28-day compressive strength by approximately 25-30%, depending on aggregate type and replacement level. The lowest water absorption value was obtained in the fiber-reinforced glass aggregate series, whereas the highest value was measured in the RCA series, mainly due to the porous adhered mortar on RCA particles. Based on the compressive strength, water absorption, and UPV results, RCA replacement levels up to 60% and glass aggregate replacement levels of 40-60% may be considered suitable for the mixtures examined in this study.
Research on reusing industrial and electronic waste in functional composite systems has been spurred by the growing need for sustainable engineering materials. This study used methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) as a binder to reinforce three recycled fillers: waste rigid polyurethane foam (WRPU), rubber tire waste (RTW), and waste printed circuit boards (WPCB). Response Surface Methodology (RSM) optimization revealed that the optimal composition was 6 wt% WRPU, 3 wt% RTW, and 7.58 wt% WPCB. With a maximum compressive strength of 38.987 MPa, this optimized formulation showed significant improvement over the unreinforced matrix (14.128 MPa). The mechanical performance was highly precisely validated by numerical simulation using ANSYS Workbench, with a deviation from the experimental results of only 0.75%. FTIR and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated enhanced interfacial interactions, improved compatibility and thermal stability up to 550 °C, while high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) verified uniform filler distribution. By enhancing interfacial bonding and stress transfer efficiency, the synergistic interaction of WRPU, RTW, and WPCB clarified the structure-property relationship controlling composite performance. These results support a sustainable circular economy by showcasing the potential of recycled polyurethane composites for lightweight, compressive load-bearing applications in automotive non-structural components.
In this study, we investigated the effect of trans-polyoctenamer (TOR) on the properties of thermoplastic dynamic vulcanizates (TDVs) derived from devulcanized ground tire rubber (dGTR) and polypropylene (PP). Small amounts of TOR helped improve the interface between incompatible PP and dGTR through co-cross-linking of TOR and the rubber phase at the interphase and slightly increased the crystallinity of the thermoplastic phase. The improved interface manifested in the higher elongation-at-break and perforation energy and improved compression set. We also studied the damage behavior of the TDVs and found that the addition of TOR led to a more stable, gradual failure process, as evidenced by significantly flatter cumulative acoustic emission event curves.
Tire rubber nanoparticles (TRNPs, ≤ 1 µm) have recently raised concerns about their potential environmental toxicity. Given the lack of research on their impact on aquatic life, this study aimed to investigate the overall effects of this pollutant on the physiological factors of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (10.2 ± 1.7 cm in length and 51.1 ± 10.6 g in weight). To simulate natural exposure conditions, the fish were divided into three groups: group 1 (control): no exposure to any concentration of TRNPs; group 2: exposure to different concentrations of TRNPs in water (5, 10, and 30 mg/L); and group 3: exposure to different concentrations of TRNPs mixed with feed (100, 150, and 300 mg/kg feed) for 15 days. After the experiment, microbial counts were performed on the tank water, and an increase was observed in the groups exposed to TRNPs and in all hematological parameters (red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, etc.) except for lymphocytes at most concentrations in both groups. Similarly, increases were observed in total protein, liver enzymes, triglycerides, cholesterol, creatinine, urea, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme activity, whereas antioxidant enzyme activities decreased at most concentrations. This provides clear evidence of the danger of TRNPs to fish, gives officials a comprehensive picture to make decisions on mitigating their arrival in aquatic environments, and paves the way for researchers to conduct further studies.
The nitrogen removal performance of constructed wetlands (CWs) is facing potential threats from tire wear particles (TWPs). However, the impact and potential mechanism of their continuous accumulation remain unclear, especially the comparison of different aging pathways. Therefore, this study constructed CWs microcosm to compare the effects of photo-aged (PA) and thermal-aged (TA) TWPs on its nitrogen removal performance and explore its main mechanism pathways. The results showed that both mainly reduced the TN removal rate by affecting NH4+-N removal, and PA-TWPs had a more significant reduction than TA-TWPs. Both pathways alter the physicochemical properties of TWPs and additive accumulation in CWs, thereby affecting nitrogen removal performance through plant oxidative stress and microbial nitrogen transformation. However, their dominant mechanisms differ. PA-TWPs group synergistically reduced the TN removal performance by inducing plant oxidative stress and inhibiting the abundance of nitrifying bacteria (Nitrospira, Candidatus Nitrotoga). TA-TWPs group not only inhibited the abundance of the aforementioned nitrifying bacteria, but also indirectly suppressed TN removal performance by affecting nitrogen removal pathway of plants, and promoted the abundance of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium bacteria Anaeromyxobacter, resulting in the accumulation of NH4+. This study emphasized the microscopic mechanism behind the differences in nitrogen removal performance driven by TWPs from different aging pathways, providing a theoretical basis and practical direction for assessing their ecological risks and optimizing CWs nitrogen removal performance.
The rubber antioxidant N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD) is used globally to retard tire oxidative aging. While its photochemical fate in aqueous systems is known, little is understood about its behavior under freezing conditions across the cryosphere. Here, we show that ice acts as an efficient photochemical medium that converts 6PPD to the toxic 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ) via a dual-oxygen mechanism involving both O2 and H2O. Mechanistically, the freeze-induced concentration of 6PPD within the liquid-like layer of ice induces J-aggregation of 6PPD, which facilitates intersystem crossing and prolongs the triplet exciton lifetime, thereby enhancing the quantum yield of superoxide radicals from O2. The proton enrichment (i.e., pH decrease) concurrently shifts 6PPD to its 6PPDH22+ form and activates a nucleophilic attack by H2O that is thermodynamically unfavorable in bulk water. These combined effects yield a 3.9-fold higher molar yield of 6PPDQ in ice than in aqueous solution, with the photodegradation products of 6PPD in ice causing substantially increased mortality of E. coli and zebrafish embryos. Our findings thereby uncover a previously unrecognized route and mechanisms of 6PPDQ formation and raise critical concerns regarding the fate and ecological risks of 6PPDQ in seasonally frozen eco-environmental systems.
Tire Wear Particles (TWPs) are a major type of microplastics (MPs). However, previous studies have predominantly focused on TWP leachates rather than the particles, and their toxic effects on marine organisms remain limited. In this study, the mussels were exposed to TWPs and their leachates for 21 days, followed by a 7-day recovery period in clean conditions. The results showed that the leachates contained organic pollutants (predominantly PAHs) and metal ions (predominantly Zn2+). Growth inhibition was observed in exposure to TWPs, while leachate exposure showed no significant effect. As for the antioxidant system, high-concentration TWP and their leachate exposures provoked significant oxidative stress, accompanied by inhibited superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity as well as increased glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Exposure to high concentrations of TWPs significantly inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and trypsin (TRS) activities. Gut microbiota analysis indicated that exposure to TWPs and their leachates modified community structure with significantly reduced relative abundance of Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, potentially attributed to the bacteriostatic activity of released Zn2+. Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) analysis indicated that TWPs elicited stronger integrated toxicity compared to their leachates. This study provides a comparative perspective on the ecological toxicology of TWPs and their leachates.
Tire wear particles (TWP) and its antioxidant derivative N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), generated by the intensive utilization of transportation vehicles, are infiltrating aquatic ecosystems via stormwater runoff. This infiltration poses a threat to aquatic organisms and ecosystem functions within the surface water environment. Nevertheless, the phenomenon and causes of the degradation of water environments driven by urban roadway runoff remain unknown. In this study, six mesocosms were established in natural streams near Shanghai to simulate urban roadway runoff using TWP and 6PPD. We monitored physicochemical parameters, community composition, and ecosystem functions including productivity, respiration, and decomposition. NMDS analyses indicated that both TWP and 6PPD altered the community composition of phytoplankton and herbivores, with weaker but detectable shifts in benthos, and detritivores. Trophic classification analysis demonstrated that urban roadway runoff significantly decreased the abundance of phytoplankton and their herbivores, while exerting a relatively weaker impact on aquatic organisms at higher trophic levels. Urban roadway runoff also significantly reduced decomposition rates and chlorophyll a content in terms of ecosystem functions, whereas salinity increased under both TWP and 6PPD treatments. This led to a reduction in material cycling within ecosystems, impairment of primary productivity, and alteration of the osmotic pressure environment, thereby exacerbating the survival pressures on sensitive species. Structural equation modeling indicated that pollutants primarily disrupted lower trophic levels, indirectly altering ecosystem functions, particularly decomposition rates. Although short-term resilience was observed in higher trophic groups, the suppression of primary producers and grazers suggests potential long-term cascading effects that could destabilize food webs and impair ecosystem functioning. Our findings highlight the ecological risks of urban roadway runoff beyond single-species toxicity, emphasizing the need to integrate biodiversity and ecosystem function in risk assessments. This study provides a theoretical foundation for urban aquatic management frameworks that simultaneously address biodiversity conservation and ecosystem stability.