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First incidence of microplastic in commercially important food fishes and waters: A case study in the dal Lake ecosystem of North-Western Himalaya (India)
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Researchers found microplastics for the first time in commercially important fish and water from Dal Lake in India's Himalayas, with water containing about 197 particles per liter and fish harboring up to 22 particles each. Polyethylene was the most common plastic type found, and the presence of microplastics in food fish indicates these particles are moving up the food chain toward human consumers.
The primary objective purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of microplastics (MPs) within the Dal Lake ecosystem, specifically in the gastrointestinal tracts of commercially important food fishes and water samples. The average abundance of MPs in water samples was recorded as 196.65 ± 0.35 items per liter, while in fish species, it ranged from 3.66 ± 0.25 to 22.33 ± 0.07 items per individual. The most commonly observed shapes of MPs were fragments, followed by fibres and pellets. MPs smaller than 250 μm were predominant in both water and biota samples. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis identified four types of plastic polymers- polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), Polypropylene (PP) and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in all water and fish samples. Among these, polyethylene (PE) was the most abundant polymer detected. The presence of MPs in biota indicates their movement up the food chain to higher trophic levels, underscoring the urgent need for further research into mitigation strategies to address microplastic contamination in fish that are meant for human consumption.
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Identification, characterization, and quantification of microplastics in water and sediments of high-altitude Himalayan Dal Lake
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles called microplastics in both the water and bottom sediments of Dal Lake, a high-altitude lake in the Himalayas. This discovery is concerning because it shows plastic pollution has reached even remote mountain areas, and these microscopic plastic pieces can enter our food chain through fish and drinking water. The findings suggest that microplastic contamination is more widespread than previously thought, potentially affecting water sources that communities depend on for drinking and fishing.
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This study provides the first documented detection of microplastics in Dal Lake in Kashmir, India. Researchers found microplastics at all four sampling stations in surface water, with fibers and fragments being the most common types. The findings establish baseline contamination data for a culturally important and ecologically sensitive high-altitude lake.
Microplastic contamination in environmental matrices of multi-basin Dal Lake, Kashmir
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Researchers investigated microplastic contamination across water, sediment, and fish in Dal Lake, Kashmir, and found that sediments contained far higher concentrations than water or fish tissue. Polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene were the most common plastic types identified, with finer sediment particles trapping more microplastics. Ecological risk assessments indicated moderate pollution levels, raising concerns about this popular freshwater ecosystem.
Characterization of weathered microplastics in freshwater and fish from the Central Himalayas
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Even remote, high-altitude lakes and rivers in the Himalayas aren't safe from plastic pollution—researchers found tiny plastic fibers (mostly from things like clothing and packaging) in both the water and the fish living there, with fish from one lake showing especially high levels. Since these fish are commonly eaten, this suggests microplastics can make their way from far-flung freshwater sources into our food, and the worn, cracked surfaces of these plastic bits may make it easier for them to absorb other harmful substances before reaching our plates.
Pollution status of microplastics in the sediments of warm monomictic Dal lake, India: Abundance, composition, and risk assessment
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Researchers conducted the first investigation of microplastic contamination in the sediments of Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, India. They found concentrations ranging from 503 to over 3,000 particles per kilogram, with the highest levels occurring in spring, and identified multiple polymer types with polyester and polyethylene being most common. The study establishes baseline pollution data for this ecologically important lake and highlights the seasonal patterns of microplastic accumulation.
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