Permeable pavers capture microplastics, study shows 94% reduction
Permeable pavers, such as those manufactured by Unilock, offer a solution for capturing microplastics from stormwater runoff. Microplastics, defined by NOAA as particles ≤5mm from sources like cosmetics, packaging, and tire wear, pose health risks including ingestion by marine animals and toxicity from chemicals like phthalates. Tire dust accounts for 78% of microplastic mass. Permeable pavers trap larger particles on the surface and filter smaller ones in the aggregate layer, reducing microplastic infiltration by up to 94% according to researchers at the Polytechnic University of Valencia. A case study on Argyle Shared Street in Chicago, completed in 2013, used Unilock Premier Eco-Priora pavers in raised crosswalks and pedestrian zones, alongside planter beds, to manage stormwater and pollutants. The project won the ILASLA Honor Award for Outstanding Design.
Key facts
- Microplastics are particles ≤5mm from cosmetics, food packaging, synthetic clothing, footwear, and tire wear.
- Tire dust accounts for 78% of microplastic mass.
- Permeable pavers can reduce microplastic infiltration by up to 94%.
- Study conducted by Polytechnic University of Valencia.
- Argyle Shared Street in Chicago was the first shared street in Illinois.
- Argyle Street redevelopment began in 2013.
- Unilock Premier Eco-Priora permeable pavers were used.
- Argyle Shared Street won the ILASLA Honor Award for Outstanding Design.
Entities
Institutions
- U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Nature Medicine
- Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Valencia
- Unilock
- ILASLA
Locations
- Argyle Street
- Chicago
- Illinois
- United States