Scientists have discovered the largest source of microplastics. Most of us use it every day.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, typically less than 5 millimeters in diameter. Unfortunately, they are found in soil, water, and air. Why is it so dangerous? Microplastics contain toxic substances that can enter our bodies.

The biggest source of microplastics? Scientists at the University of Mississippi believe it's... car tires .

Every driver has to replace worn tires every few years, and according to the authors of the article for The Conversation , Boluwatife S. Olubusoye and James V. Cizdziel , these tires often end up in bodies of water. But that's not the only reason...

Microplastics: From Tires to Lakes, Rivers and Oceans

It turns out that tires also release tiny microplastics during regular road driving . Rain then washes them into ditches, from where they end up in streams , lakes , rivers , and oceans .

Some fish species, such as rainbow trout , brown trout , and salmon , are dying because of toxic chemicals linked to tire abrasion particles.

But the effects of microplastics from tire particles aren't limited to aquatic life . Scientists estimate they make up 45 percent of all microplastics in both water and land. This means land animals , as well as humans , are also at risk. Recent research suggests that microplastics can harm multiple organs, including the liver , lungs , and kidneys .

The effects of tire abrasion vs. environmentalists

Okay, but what can be done to reduce the impact of tire abrasion ? Manufacturers say it's difficult to find a replacement, but researchers at the University of Mississippi are exploring eco-friendly methods to help capture tire particles before they reach streams , rivers , and oceans .

"We are analytical and environmental chemists who are investigating ways to remove these microplastics – and the toxic chemicals they carry – before they reach water bodies and the aquatic organisms that live there," the researchers write.

One idea that seems simple and effective is to create a biofiltration system using biochar and pine shavings, placed at the mouth of sewage drains. Sounds reasonable, right? But this method still requires significant research.

The most important thing is that awareness of the harmfulness of microplastics is growing and an increasing number of scientists are considering practical ways to deal with this problem.