Abstract: Systems and methods for capturing pollutants from braking mechanisms are provided. The systems can include a pollution trap attached to a brake assembly, where the pollution trap can comprise an absorbent pad, filter, or membrane. The pollution trap can be positioned near a braking mechanism, for example, between a portion of the braking mechanism and a portion of a wheel, to collect pollutants including brake dust. The pollution trap can also be positioned on the wheel in various embodiments. The material used in the pollution trap can also be used to form gloves, cloths, sponges or wipes for cleaning brake dust.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing hydrocarbons and other pollutants from roadway surfaces are provided. The systems can include a pollution trap attached to a vehicle, where the pollution trap comprises an absorbent pad, filter, or membrane. The pollution trap is affixed to the vehicle, for example, in the wheel well, on a mud flap, on the underside of a vehicle or another suitable place where the pollution trap can be exposed to a roadway pollutant. The methods described herein can include liberating roadway pollutants from a roadway and using a pollution trap to collect the liberated roadway pollutants.