Microplastics from tyre and road wear constitute a large source of pollutants to nature and the amount of microplastics in different environments and their dispersion in nature are to a large degree unknown. In this literature review models that can be used for dispersion and fate modelling of microplastics in nature are presented together with available model studies. Models for dispersion in air, stormwater and freshwater, soil and groundwater, sea and combined modelling in several environments are described.

Modelling of microplastic dispersion in air is possible with several existing models. Hydrologic models are also possible to use quantitatively for modelling in watercourses but needs to be calibrated against measurements. Recently, models have been developed specifically for modelling of microplastics in watercourses and in the sea, although not focusing on tyre and road wear. Soil models are not yet developed for modelling of microplastics, but here the dispersion is also slower.