We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Evidence of microplastics in water and commercial fish from a high-altitude mountain lake (Lake Titicaca)
Summary
Researchers evaluated the presence of microplastics in both water samples and the stomach contents of four commercially fished species from Lago Menor of Lake Titicaca, a high-altitude ancient lake at 3,809 m above sea level on the Bolivia-Peru border, documenting microplastic contamination in this remote ecosystem.
Microplastic pollution is a widespread environmental concern. Like other anthropogenic pollutants, microplastics can reach aquatic ecosystems through rivers and interact with the aquatic biota. For instance, Lake Titicaca (between Bolivia and Peru), one of the great ancient lakes in South America (3,809 m a.s.l.), shows a pollution problem, particularly in the southern shallow basin (Lago Menor) in Bolivia. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the presence of microplastics and their interaction with the biota of Lake Titicaca is limited. Therefore, this study evaluated the presence of microplastics in the stomach content of the four fish species targeted by local fisheries in Lago Menor of Lake Titicaca (Orestias luteus, Orestias agassizii, Trichomycterus dispar, and Odonthestes bonariensis; N = 1,283), and looked for relationships with trophic guilds or fishing areas. Additionally, surface water was analyzed to evaluate the presence of microplastics in the water. The evaluation of microplastics was carried out by visual observations. We observed that the frequency of microplastic ingestion was low in all species (<5%). Conversely, microplastic was present in the water, with the highest quantity at the southern part of Lago Menor (103 ± 20 particles per L), without differences in the microplastic number between sites. Most microplastics counted in stomach contents were fibers, whereas water samples mainly contained fragments. Our results point to microplastic pollution in Lago Menor of Lake Titicaca. However, we could not determine the pollution rate due to considerable methodological limitations. Further research will be needed to robustly detect microplastics in Lake Titicaca and their impact on the fish species in the lake.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastic contamination in the pristine waters of Tilicho Lake, Nepal: A groundbreaking study in the high-altitude himalayas
Researchers conducted a first-of-its-kind study documenting microplastic contamination in Tilicho Lake, Nepal, one of the world's highest-altitude freshwater lakes, highlighting the penetration of plastic pollution into remote alpine environments.
First insights into plastic and microplastic occurrence in biotic and abiotic compartments, and snow from a high-mountain lake (Carnic Alps)
This study provided first data on plastic and microplastic occurrence in both biotic and abiotic samples from high-mountain lakes on the Tibetan Plateau, one of the most remote freshwater ecosystems on Earth. Plastics larger than 5 mm and microplastics were found in lake water and biota, demonstrating that even pristine high-altitude freshwater systems are not free from plastic contamination.
Microplastics in biotic and abiotic compartments of high-mountain lakes from Alps
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in two remote high-altitude lakes in the Italian Alps, finding plastic particles in lake sediments, tadpoles, and fish (but not in open water or zooplankton), with younger fish accumulating more microplastics than older ones — suggesting fish as useful pollution indicators even in pristine mountain environments.
Identification, characterization, and quantification of microplastics in water and sediments of high-altitude Himalayan Dal Lake
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.
Microplastic assessment in remote and high mountain lakes of Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in eight remote, high-altitude lakes in the mountains of northern Pakistan, finding plastic particles in both water and sediment at all locations. Despite the lakes being far from major population centers, microplastics were present at measurable levels, likely transported by wind and water from lower elevations. The contamination of these pristine mountain lakes is concerning because they serve as water sources for local communities.