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Trekking Tourism Leaves a Microplastic Footprint in a High Himalayan Lake

Eos 2026
Saugat Bolakhe

Summary

Researchers found tiny plastic particles, called microplastics, in a remote high-altitude lake in the Himalayas—likely left behind by hikers' gear, clothing, and trash. This matters because these mountain waters feed rivers that millions of people downstream rely on for drinking water, meaning even pristine, far-off places aren't safe from plastic pollution creeping into our water supply.

Plastic pollution may ripple downstream, threatening the human and wildlife communities that depend on glacier-fed waters.

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