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High-Mountain Contamination: Microplastic Occurrence and Risk Assessments in Fish from Nero Lake, Italy
Summary
Microplastic occurrence and associated chemical risks were documented at high-mountain sites, finding that even remote alpine environments contain significant plastic contamination. The findings highlight the role of long-range atmospheric transport in delivering microplastics to pristine high-elevation ecosystems.
Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging environmental concern, yet its occurrence in remote high-mountain ecosystems remains poorly understood. This study investigated MP contamination in fish from Nero Lake, an alpine lake in northwestern Italy. Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 33 specimens of Salmo trutta, Phoxinus lumaireul, and Salvelinus fontinalis were analyzed. MPs were detected in 84% of specimens in 2023 and in 93% in 2024. Filaments were the predominant particle type, while polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate were the most common polymers. In 2024, polyamide was also detected and showed the highest Polymer Hazard Index (PHI = 12.22), indicating a high hazard risk (Grade III) and elevated toxicological potential. Contamination Factor values exceeded 10 in S. trutta, and Pollution Load Index values frequently surpassed 1, both suggesting established contamination. However, the limited number of specimens, particularly for P. lumaireul and S. fontinalis, reduces statistical power and increases the risk of Type II errors. Although no significant interspecific differences in MP counts were observed, results should be interpreted with caution. Larger sample sizes are recommended but remain difficult to obtain in alpine environments. These findings highlight the vulnerability of remote lakes to both local and long-range MP pollution sources.