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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic pollution and polymer-specific hazards in different water sources of Thimphu, Bhutan
ClearMicroplastic contamination and environmental risks in the Beas River, western Himalayas
This study measured microplastic pollution in the Beas River across 300 kilometers of the western Himalayas and found contamination at every site tested, with higher levels near populated towns. Polyethylene fibers were the most common type found, and the overall hazard rating reached the highest risk category based on polymer toxicity. The findings show that tourism and urban development are introducing microplastics into remote mountain water sources that communities depend on for drinking water.
Microplastics and heavy metal contamination along a land-use gradient in a Himalayan foothill river: Prevalence and controlling factors
Researchers mapped microplastic and heavy metal contamination in a river flowing through India's Himalayan foothills, finding plastic particles at every sampling site. Concentrations were highest near industrial areas and human settlements, with polyethylene and polystyrene being the most common plastic types. The study shows how human activity drives plastic pollution even in relatively remote freshwater environments.
Assessment of vulnerabilities of central himalayan springs towards microplastic pollution.
This research assessed how vulnerable springs in the central Himalayas are to microplastic contamination, identifying environmental and geographic factors that increase exposure risk. Mountain springs are critical drinking water sources for millions of people, so understanding their susceptibility to plastic pollution has direct public health implications.
Assessment of Microplastics in Hanumante River of Kathmandu Valley
Researchers found 14–23 microplastic particles per liter in water samples from the Hanumante River in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, with polyethylene, polypropylene, and polycarbonate identified as the dominant polymer types. The contamination reflects poor plastic waste management in the surrounding communities, as the river receives untreated runoff and waste. The study underscores the need for improved waste infrastructure in rapidly urbanizing South Asian cities to prevent rivers from becoming conduits for microplastic pollution.
Assessment of vulnerabilities of central himalayan springs towards microplastic pollution.
This research assessed how vulnerable springs in the central Himalayas are to microplastic contamination, identifying environmental and geographic factors that increase exposure risk. Mountain springs are critical drinking water sources for millions of people, so understanding their susceptibility to plastic pollution has direct public health implications.
Distribution characteristics of microplastics and potentially toxic elements as co-contaminants in groundwater in mid-Brahmaputra Valley, northeastern India
Researchers found microplastics and toxic heavy metals contaminating groundwater in the Brahmaputra Valley of northeastern India, with polypropylene being the most common plastic type detected. The microplastics appeared to absorb heavy metals onto their surfaces, creating a combined pollution threat, and cancer risk assessments showed that about a third of samples posed potential health risks to children. This study demonstrates that even underground water sources used for drinking are not safe from microplastic contamination.
Distribution and characteristics of microplastics and phthalate esters from a freshwater lake system in Lesser Himalayas
Researchers surveyed a freshwater lake system in the Indian Himalayas and found microplastics in all water and sediment samples, with concentrations highest near areas of human activity. They also detected phthalate esters, chemical additives commonly found in plastics, at levels that correlated with microplastic abundance. The study provides the first evidence of significant microplastic and associated chemical contamination in this relatively remote Himalayan freshwater ecosystem.
Identification of Micro-plastics (MPs) in Conventional Tap Water Sourced from Thailand
Tap water samples collected at a Thai university contained an average of 56 microplastic particles per liter in the smallest size fraction (6.5 to 53 micrometers), with fibers making up 58% of all particles and polyethylene, PVC, PET, and polypropylene among the polymers confirmed by spectroscopy. The study identifies tap water microplastic contamination as a potential direct health exposure pathway in Thailand.
Spatial distribution and characteristics of microplastics and associated contaminants from mid-altitude lake in NW Himalaya
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.
Distribution and characteristics of microplastics and phthalate esters from a freshwater lake system in Lesser Himalayas
Researchers investigated microplastics and phthalate ester contamination in freshwater lakes of the Lesser Himalayas in India, detecting MPs in all water and sediment samples at concentrations ranging from 2 to 64 particles per liter alongside co-occurring chemical plasticizers.
First assessment of occurrence, characteristics and human exposure of microplastics in bottled drinking water, Nepal
Researchers conducted the first assessment of microplastics in bottled drinking water from Nepal's mountain, hill, and Terai regions, finding microplastics in all 35 samples tested (mean 118 items/L), with fiber-shaped particles dominating at 71.76%, establishing a baseline for this developing-country context.
Microplastic pollution in the Himalayas: Occurrence, distribution, accumulation and environmental impacts
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.
Detection and Characterization of Microplastics in Two Major Lakes of Nepal: Begnas and Phewa
This study provided some of the first evidence of microplastic contamination in two major Nepalese lakes, Begnas and Phewa, documenting the types, shapes, colors, and sources of particles found. The findings indicate that even high-altitude freshwater systems in Nepal are not immune to plastic pollution.
Microplastics in Our Waters: Insights from a Configurative Systematic Review of Water Bodies and Drinking Water Sources
This systematic review mapped microplastic contamination across rivers, lakes, seas, tap water, and bottled water worldwide. The findings show that microplastics are present in virtually every water source we rely on, with rivers being the most studied and polyethylene being the most commonly found plastic type.
Quantification, characterization and risk assessment of microplastics from five major estuaries along the northern Bay of Bengal coast
Researchers measured microplastic pollution in five major estuaries along the Bay of Bengal coast in Bangladesh and found contamination at every site, with polyethylene being the most common plastic type. The rivers were classified at the most severe hazard level for microplastic contamination based on the types of polymers found. Since these estuaries supply water and fish to millions of people, the contamination raises concerns about human exposure through drinking water and seafood.
Characterisation of Plastics and their Relation to Benthic Organisms in Metsina Stream, Punakha Dzongkhag
Researchers characterised macro-, meso-, and microplastic pollution across upstream, midstream, and downstream sites of Metsina Stream in Bhutan's Punakha Dzongkhag and assessed the relationship between plastic presence and benthic macroinvertebrate communities. The study provided a baseline for freshwater plastic pollution in Bhutan and found associations between plastic abundance and altered benthic community composition.
Characterization of Microplastics in Household Tap Water in Vietnam's Rural Areas: A Preliminary Study in the Red River Delta Region
Researchers conducted the first survey of microplastic contamination in household tap water in rural areas of Vietnam's Red River Delta. The study found an average of 6.8 microplastic particles per liter, mostly fragments and fibers smaller than 200 micrometers, with a polymer hazard index indicating high pollution risk levels across the sampled tap water.
Microplastic pollution in riparian soils of the rapidly growing city of Thimphu, Bhutan
Microplastic contamination was characterized in riparian soils along waterways in Thimphu, Bhutan, with findings suggesting urban development and poor waste management are driving local accumulation.
Microplastic Pollution in Urban Natural Lakes of Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Researchers studied microplastic pollution in the surface waters of two urban natural lakes in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. Using stereomicroscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, they characterized the abundance, types, and polymer composition of microplastics, finding notable contamination levels that highlight the need for monitoring microplastic pollution in urban freshwater systems in developing regions.
Risk assessment of microplastic pollution in urban lakes and peripheral Rivers of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance and ecological risk in urban lake and river surface water and sediments across Dhaka, Bangladesh. Microplastics were detected at all 19 sites, with polymer hazard quotients indicating elevated ecological risk, particularly in heavily urbanized and industrialized locations.
Occurrence and risk assessment of microplastics in the Lhasa River—a remote plateau river on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in the Lhasa River on the remote Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, finding microplastics in both surface water (0.63 particles per liter) and shore sediments (0.37 particles per gram). Films and fibers were the dominant shapes, with polypropylene and polyethylene being the most common polymer types, and PVC contributing to elevated risk levels. The study reveals that even remote plateau rivers with limited human activity are contaminated by microplastics, raising concerns about their vulnerable ecosystems.
Environmental fate of microplastics in high-altitude basins: the insights into the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin
Researchers mapped microplastic pollution across the Yarlung Tsangpo River Basin in Tibet, finding contamination in water, sediment, and soil even in remote high-altitude areas. Below 4,000 meters, human activity was the main source, while above 4,500 meters, microplastics arrived through the atmosphere. The study shows that microplastic pollution has reached some of Earth's most remote regions, meaning no freshwater source is truly free from contamination.
Microplastics in bottled water: assessing drinking safety in Nepal
Researchers quantified microplastics in 17 brands of bottled drinking water from five provinces of Nepal using vacuum filtration, finding particles in all brands with concentrations and polymer types suggesting contamination during bottling and from cap materials.
Microplastic accumulation, morpho-polymer characterization, and dietary exposure in urban tap water of a developing nation
Researchers analyzed tap water from four major cities in Bangladesh and found microplastics in every sample, with an average of about 35 particles per liter, higher than most other countries studied. The vast majority were tiny fibers less than 0.5 mm, primarily made of polyethylene. The estimated daily intake of about 2.65 microplastic particles per person through tap water alone highlights how people in developing nations may face disproportionate microplastic exposure through their drinking water.