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The human connection: First evidence of microplastics in remote high mountain lakes of Sierra Nevada, Spain
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As part of a citizen science initiative, researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in 35 remote glacial lakes in Sierra Nevada National Park, Spain. The study found microplastics present even in these high-altitude, isolated environments, with significant variation in abundance between nearby lakes linked to human visitation patterns.
Microplastics have become one of the most serious global threats to animal and human health. While their presence has been documented in all Earth water ecosystems, including remote mountain lakes, the observation that the abundance of microplastics is largely different across nearby lakes has rarely been examined. As part of a citizen science initiative, this study analyzed for the first time the abundance of microplastics in the surface of 35 glacial lakes of Sierra Nevada National Park in Southern Spain with the objective of determining the local factors that control their abundance. First, we described the shape, size, color and nature of microplastics. Second, we tested whether the number of microplastics differed between basins and analyzed environmental and morphometrical features of lakes affecting their abundance. We found that microplastics were common in most lakes, with a maximum abundance of 21.3 particles per liter that akin to some of the most microplastic polluted lakes worldwide. Fragments were the predominant shape (59.7%) followed by fibers (38.8%) and very scarce spheres (1.5%). Microplastics were observed for all size-fractions, but the abundance of particles <45 μm was higher, what advocates for the use of low pore-size filters to prevent underestimation of microplastics. While the mean abundance of microplastics did not differ among basins, their quantity was related to the presence of meadows surrounding the lakes. This result indicates that while atmospheric transport of microsplastics may equally reach all basins, differences in microplastics among nearby-lakes has an anthropic origin caused by mountaineers who find lakes with ample meadows much more attractive to visit relative to barren lakes. The staggering number in these remote lakes, headwaters of rivers that feed drinking reservoirs, is a major concern that warrants further investigation and the strict compliance with waste management laws to reduce the harmful impacts of microplastic contamination.
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First evidence of MPs in remote high mountain lakes of Sierra Nevada, Spain
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Microplastics were found in remote high mountain lakes in Sierra Nevada, Spain, far from any direct human source, confirming that atmospheric deposition can carry plastics to pristine alpine environments. Nearby lakes showed differences in microplastic concentrations and types, likely reflecting local wind patterns and catchment characteristics. The study demonstrates that altitude and distance from urban areas do not protect freshwater ecosystems from microplastic contamination.
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Surface water samples from Italian subalpine lakes were found to contain microplastics, including fibers and fragments, at concentrations suggesting atmospheric deposition and local tourism as contributing sources. The study extends microplastic monitoring to high-altitude freshwater lakes, showing that even remote mountain water bodies are affected by plastic pollution.
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles (microplastics) in every single lake and stream they tested in a remote Portuguese mountain range—even in water bodies far from cities or major pollution sources. The plastic levels were higher near ski and tourist areas right after the snow season, suggesting human recreation is leaving lasting plastic residue even in pristine natural environments. This matters because these mountain waters are drinking water sources for surrounding communities, showing that microplastic pollution—and the potential health risks that come with ingesting it—can reach even the places we think are furthest from human impact.
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Scientists found tiny plastic fibers and fragments in remote mountain lakes across Patagonia and Northern California—even in places far from cities, roads, or heavy tourism. This suggests microplastics are traveling through the air and water systems on a massive scale, not just leaking from nearby trash or pollution, meaning there may be no truly "untouched" water left on Earth. Since these lakes often feed into drinking water supplies, the findings are a reminder that microplastic exposure is becoming a global, unavoidable issue rather than just a local problem.
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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.
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.