Investigating microplastic transport in remote ecosystems: High-mountain lakes of the western alps

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a global concern across several environments, encompassing aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric. Currently, there is limited data on the presence of microplastics in remote ecosystems such as high-mountain lakes (HMLs). These lakes are known to be sensitive indicators of global environmental changes and particularly vulnerable to air pollutants. This study examined microplastics (¡ 5 mm – 100 µm) in two HMLs, Paione Inferiore (PAI) and Paione Superiore (PAS), part of the LTER (Long-Term Ecological Research) network, and their final outlet. This research was conducted within the framework of the LIFE project MODERn NEC, which aims to establish a new monitoring system to detect the effects of reduced pollutant emissions following the implementation of the EU's National Emission Reduction Commitments (NEC) Directive. The investigated HMLs cover a different level of accessibility and human use to evaluate potential pathways such as atmospheric transport or local activities. The abundance of microplastics was similar in both lakes and the outlet. The size of the microplastics ranged from 111 to 5000 µm, with a trend of larger particles from PAS to the outlet. Fibers (¿89 Also see: https://micro2024.sciencesconf.org/559216/document