We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics in the shore sediment of the freshwater sources of the Indian Himalaya
AI summary Read the abstract
Microplastics were detected for the first time in shore sediments from high-altitude freshwater sources of the Indian Himalaya, including major river headwaters and remote mountain lakes. The study found microplastics even in the most remote sites, indicating that atmospheric deposition carries plastics to these pristine high-altitude environments. The contamination of Himalayan river sources is significant given their importance as freshwater supplies for hundreds of millions of people downstream.
For the first time, microplastics were assessed in the shore sediment of the high-altitude freshwater source of the Indian Himalaya, including the Brahmaputra River, the Indus River, Pangong Lake, Tsomoriri Lake, and Tsokar Lake. The field campaigns were conducted in the years 2018-2019. The objectives of the study are, first, to investigate the microplastic pollution in the shore sediments of the studied rivers and lakes. Secondly, to explore the variation of the microplastic concentration in the subsamples from the same site using different pretreatment methods. Thirdly, to assess the implication of the blank correction on the microplastic concentration. The chemical pretreatment, including hydrogen peroxide, Fenton, and modified universal enzymatically purification protocol (UEPP), was conducted for the sample pretreatment. The microplastics analysis was performed with micro-FTIR and Raman imaging microscope. According to our study, microplastics were detected in all the studied sites. The concentration of microplastics increases with a decrease in size. Variations of microplastic concentrations in subsamples from same site were detected in all lake sample when pretreated differently. Therefore, the intercomparison among microplastics even in the similar matrix, should be conducted with caution. Samples having initial low microplastic concentrations were significantly impacted with the blank correction based on the LOD and LOQ on the basis of contamination in the procedure blanks. Therefore, reporting both microplastic concentrations with and without blank correction is recommended. Furthermore, improper disposal of plastic waste could be the key source of microplastics in the studied sites. Nevertheless, future research on remote high-altitude sites requires in-depth microplastics studies, particularly with multiple sampling campaigns including water and sediment, impacts of wind and precipitation on the microplastic transportation and airborne microplastics. Also see: https://micro2022.sciencesconf.org/426303/document
More Papers Like This
Microplastic pollution in the Himalayas: Occurrence, distribution, accumulation and environmental impacts
AI summary Read the abstract
This review documents microplastic contamination throughout the Himalayan region, from mountain glaciers and rivers to remote high-altitude locations. Microplastics reach these areas through wind, precipitation, tourism waste, and river transport, and can become trapped in glacial ice before being released during snowmelt. The findings show that even one of the most remote places on Earth is not free from microplastic pollution, with implications for the billions of people who depend on Himalayan rivers for drinking water.
Identification, characterization, and quantification of microplastics in water and sediments of high-altitude Himalayan Dal Lake
AI summary Read the abstract
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.
Spatial distribution and characteristics of microplastics and associated contaminants from mid-altitude lake in NW Himalaya
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers documented microplastic contamination and associated phthalate esters in Rewalsar Lake in the Northwest Himalayas, demonstrating that even remote mid-altitude freshwater lakes are significantly affected by microplastic pollution.
Lake sediments act as a sink of microplastics in the High-Altitude Himalayan Dal Lake, India
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers quantified microplastic concentrations in surface water and sediments of Dal Lake, a high-altitude Himalayan urban lake in India at 1,583 meters elevation, finding sediment concentrations up to nearly 13,000 particles per kilogram dry weight and concluding that lake sediments act as a long-term sink for microplastic accumulation.
Microplastics in the high-altitude Himalayas: Assessment of microplastic contamination in freshwater lake sediments, Northwest Himalaya (India)
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in sediments of freshwater Anchar Lake in the Kashmir Himalayas, finding an average of 606 particles per kilogram dominated by polyamide fibers, with domestic wastewater and textile sources identified as primary contributors.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.