Comprehensive review on environmental pollution caused by 6PPD-quinone and remediation strategies

Recently the research concern, the environmental toxicity associated with 6PPD (<i>N</i>-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-<i>N</i>'-phenyl-<i>p</i>-phenylenediamine) and its by-products due to tyre wear. In the tyre manufacturing process, 6PPD is added to increase the durability of the tyre. 6PPD-Q (<i>N</i>-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-<i>N</i>'-phenyl-<i>p</i>-phenylenediamine-quinone) due to tyre wear and is emitted along with road particles into the air, resulting in a severe impact on the environment. It has been found that 6PPD increases the mortality rate of silver salmon, an aquatic fauna having rich omega-3 fatty acid content and many essential nutrients. Further, this 6PPD-quinone affects higher organisms by entering the aquatic food chain. Hence, this bioaccumulation severely affects the top predators, including humans. The scientific and regulatory bodies are working hard to find a safer alternative to 6PPD to eradicate the environmental pollution due to 6PPD-Q, a degradation product of 6PPD. The current review article addresses the various approaches to reducing 6PPD release in the environment, removing the existing 6PPD from the surrounding environment, and finding a safer alternative to 6PPD to increase the tyre lifetime. Remediation strategies involve potential substitutes for 6PPD and 6PPD-Q, including alternative PPDs such as IPPD, DPPD, 7PPD, and CCPD, as well as non-PPD options like specialized graphene, octyl gallate, lignin, and nano-calcium carbonate modified with gallic acid. These candidates offer protection against ozone, oxidation, and wear while maintaining tire performance and safety. In addition, the review provides details on potential alternatives and the mechanisms through which they protect the environment. The existing knowledge gaps and directing researchers in establishing research in the various fields to protect against this kind of pollution.