Where Rubber Meets the Road: Tire Chemicals and the Toxicology of Stormwater
Presented by WIE Seattle Professional Development Committee
October 7, 2021 | 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm
Online Virtual Event
Come join us for a virtual presentation to learn about the science behind the emerging contaminant, 6PPD-quinone, with Dr. Jenifer McIntyre.
Stormwater runoff contains a complex mixture of chemical contaminants that can impair aquatic organisms in receiving waters. Effects range from sub-lethal impairments reducing the health and fitness of individuals to acute mortality. Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) are extremely sensitive to stormwater runoff; acute mortality events are documented in the Pacific Northwest every fall when these salmon return from the ocean to spawn in urban-impacts streams. The primary responsible contaminant was recently identified as 6PPD-quinone — a chemical derived from a common ingredient in vehicle tires. This talk will describe toxic impacts of roadway runoff, including the pre-spawning mortality phenomenon, explain the discovery of 6PPD-quinone, and describe a path forward for understanding the role of tire chemicals in the toxicology of stormwater.
Dr. Jenifer McIntyre is an assistant professor of aquatic toxicology at the Washington State University’s School of the Environment. She is passionate about science that effects change. Her B.Sc. (1997) in environmental biology at Queen’s University led to the ban of a pulp mill effluent used as a road dust suppressant. Her M.S. (2004) from the University of Washington on contaminant bioaccumulation led the Washington State Department of Health to issue a fish consumption advisory for Lake Washington. Her Ph.D. (2010) research at UW on olfactory neurotoxicity of copper in coho salmon helped pass legislation in Washington and California that phases out metals in brake pads. Dr. McIntyre currently focuses on the ecotoxicology of urban stormwater runoff and the biological effectiveness of green stormwater infrastructure.
Dr. Jenifer McIntyre is an assistant professor of aquatic toxicology at the Washington State University’s School of the Environment. Located at the Puyallup Research & Extension Center and collaborating with the Washington Stormwater Center, Dr. McIntyre’s current research focuses on the ecotoxicology of urban stormwater runoff and the biological effectiveness of green stormwater infrastructure.
Fun facts: My urban homestead includes chickens, bees, and food gardens. Outdoor fun includes: sail, mountain bike, and rock climb.
