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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Effects of polyethylene microplastics on soil microbial assembly and ecosystem multifunctionality in the remote mountain: Altitude matters
ClearAnalysis of microplastics in soils on the high-altitude area of the Tibetan Plateau: Multiple environmental factors
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in soils across different land use types on the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau, a remote and sparsely populated region. The study found that microplastic abundance varied with land use, altitude, meteorological conditions, and distance from roads, with greenhouse soils showing the highest concentrations, indicating that even remote high-altitude environments are not free from microplastic pollution.
Microplastic pollution in agricultural soils: Microbial interactions, food-chain risks, and management strategies with special reference to high-altitude agroecosystems
This review synthesizes evidence that microplastics in agricultural soils disrupt microbial diversity, alter nutrient cycling, and accumulate in plants — with high-altitude farming systems particularly understudied despite their ecological sensitivity. The authors flag that microplastics act as carriers for chemical pollutants and pathogens, compounding food safety risks in mountain agroecosystems.
The occurrence and effect of altitude on microplastics distribution in agricultural soils of Qinghai Province, northwest China
Microplastic distribution was investigated in agricultural soils of Qinghai Province at different altitudes, finding that altitude influenced microplastic characteristics and abundance, with lower-altitude agricultural areas showing higher contamination from plastic film use.
Microplastic pollution in Morocco's High Atlas: First evidence and selective impact on soil microbiome across an elevational gradient
Researchers found microplastic contamination across all elevations of Mount Toubkal in Morocco, from 500 m to 4,167 m, with an average concentration of 23.2 MPs/kg of soil. Fibrous microplastics dominated at higher altitudes, and while bacterial communities showed no significant response, fungal richness and diversity declined with increasing abundance of fibrous MPs and PVC particles.
Biodiversity in mountain soils above the treeline
Not relevant to microplastics — this paper reviews biodiversity gaps in high-altitude mountain soils, covering microorganisms, fungi, and invertebrates, and identifies major geographic and taxonomic blind spots in soil ecology research, with no connection to plastic pollution.
Synergy of plastics and heavy metals weakened soil bacterial diversity by regulating microbial functions in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Researchers studying soils on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau found that the combined presence of microplastics and heavy metals reduced soil bacterial diversity more than either pollutant alone. The synergy between plastic-derived chemicals like phthalates and metals disrupted key microbial functions, which could affect soil health and ecosystem services in this sensitive high-altitude environment.
Trace metals coupled with plasticisers in microplastics strengthen the denitrification function of the soil microbiome in the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau
Researchers measured microplastic pollution and associated phthalate ester plasticizers alongside trace metals in soils and river sediments on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. They found that these contaminants co-occurred and together influenced nitrogen cycling by strengthening denitrification-related microbial functions in the soil. The study reveals that even remote high-altitude environments are affected by microplastic contamination, which can alter fundamental soil biogeochemical processes.
Soil horizons regulate bacterial community structure and functions in Dabie Mountain of the East China
This paper is not relevant to microplastics research — it examines how soil horizon depth influences bacterial community structure and nutrient cycling functions in mountain forest soils.
Spatial characteristics of microplastics in the high-altitude area on the Tibetan Plateau
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination across water bodies and sediments on the Tibetan Plateau, one of the most remote high-altitude regions on Earth, and found microplastics in every sample tested. Contamination levels were highest in turbid rivers and agricultural channels, and decreased at higher altitudes where there is less human activity. The study highlights that even remote, high-altitude areas are not free from microplastic pollution.
Impact of microplastic concentration on soil nematode communities on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Evidence from a field-based microcosms experiment
Researchers conducted a one-year field experiment on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to study how different concentrations of microplastics affect soil nematode communities. They found that nematode abundance and diversity showed a hump-shaped response, peaking at low microplastic concentrations but declining at higher levels, with the lowest biomass observed at the highest treatment. The study suggests that microplastics directly influence soil fauna communities, particularly fungivore and omnivorous nematodes, with implications for understanding ecological impacts on soil ecosystems.
Impact of plastic mulching on microplastic contamination in mountainous agricultural soils
Researchers examined how plastic mulching films affect microplastic contamination in remote mountainous agricultural soils in Kakani, Nepal, collecting soil samples from two depths across mulched farms, non-mulched farms, and adjacent forests and finding elevated MP concentrations in mulched plots.
Impact of plastic mulching on microplastic contamination in mountainous agricultural soils
Researchers examined how plastic mulching films affect microplastic contamination in remote mountainous agricultural soils in Kakani, Nepal, collecting soil samples from two depths across mulched farms, non-mulched farms, and adjacent forests and finding elevated MP concentrations in mulched plots.
New insights into the distribution, potential source and risk of microplastics in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, one of the world's most remote regions, and found contamination in water, sediment, and soil samples. Water samples had the highest concentrations, averaging over 7,000 particles per cubic meter. The presence of microplastics even in this isolated high-altitude environment shows how far plastic pollution has spread globally.
The occurrence of microplastics in farmland and grassland soils in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau: Different land use and mulching time in facility agriculture
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in farmland and grassland soils on the remote Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China. The study found an average of about 50 microplastic particles per kilogram of soil, with plastic film and polyester being the most common types. Notably, longer use of plastic mulch in farming was linked to higher microplastic levels, suggesting that agricultural plastic use is a key source of soil contamination even in remote regions.
Pollution and Distribution of Microplastics in Grassland Soils of Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China
Researchers collected and analyzed 22 grassland soil samples from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and found microplastics present in every sample, with an average abundance of 1,202 particles per kilogram. Polyethylene terephthalate was the dominant polymer type, and most particles were in the 10-50 micrometer size range. The findings demonstrate that microplastic contamination reaches even remote, high-altitude grassland environments far from major population centers.
An integrated evaluation of potentially toxic elements and microplastics in the highland soils of the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Researchers conducted the first integrated assessment of toxic elements and microplastics in grassland and farmland soils on the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. They found microplastic abundances ranging from 200 to over 3,600 particles per kilogram, with polypropylene dominating in grasslands and polyethylene in farmlands. The study reveals that even remote highland ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau are not immune to microplastic contamination.
Microplastics and nanoplastics on Mt. Everest
Researchers measured microplastics and nanoplastics across six environmental matrices (soil, water, atmosphere, snow, yak dung, road dust) on Mount Everest, finding ubiquitous contamination at all sites. Nanoplastics were quantified on Everest for the first time, with soil concentrations averaging 4.9 mg/kg, demonstrating that even the world's highest peak is not free from plastic pollution.
Characteristics of microplastics and their abundance impacts on microbial structure and function in agricultural soils of remote areas in west China
Researchers found that agricultural soils in remote western China using plastic mulch film had about four times more microplastics than fields without it, mostly tiny polyamide fragments under 50 micrometers. The microplastics changed the diversity and function of soil bacteria, including boosting organisms linked to organic matter breakdown. These microbial shifts could affect soil health and potentially increase health risks from crops grown in contaminated soil.
Analysis of microplastics in a remote region of the Tibetan Plateau: Implications for natural environmental response to human activities
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in a remote region of the Tibetan Plateau and found plastic particles in surface water, sediment, and soil even in this sparsely populated area. Tourism was identified as the primary source of water contamination, while agriculture and historical industrial activity contributed to soil pollution. The study demonstrates that microplastic pollution from human activities extends even to some of the most remote environments on Earth.
Microplastic pollution characteristics and its future perspectives in the Tibetan Plateau
Researchers reviewed microplastic pollution on the Tibetan Plateau, one of the most remote places on Earth, and found plastic particles in rivers, lakes, soil, snow, and even the atmosphere near Mount Everest. While concentrations are lower than in populated areas, the presence of microplastics in such a remote region shows how far these pollutants can travel through air and water currents. The findings underscore that microplastic contamination is truly a global problem with no pristine environments left untouched.
Microplastics in plateau agricultural areas: Spatial changes reveal their source and distribution characteristics
This study mapped microplastic distribution in agricultural areas on the Tibetan Plateau to understand where contamination comes from and how it spreads. Researchers found that microplastic levels varied significantly across locations, with agricultural practices like plastic mulch film use being a primary source. The findings suggest that even remote high-altitude regions are not immune to microplastic pollution.
Occurrence characteristics and ecological impact of agricultural soil microplastics in the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau, China
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in agricultural soils on the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau in China, a remote area with low population density. They found microplastic concentrations ranging from about 17 to 950 particles per kilogram, with polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyethylene being the most common types. The study suggests that facility-based agriculture significantly increases soil microplastic levels, and nearly half of the areas assessed showed relatively high polymer risk.
Human Activities Increased Microplastics Contamination in the Himalaya Mountains
Researchers investigated microplastic pollution in the high Himalaya mountains and found that human activities such as tourism and trekking significantly increased contamination levels. Samples collected from trails and settlements showed higher microplastic concentrations compared to more remote areas. The findings demonstrate that even some of the most remote places on Earth are affected by microplastic pollution from human presence.
Potential risk of microplastics in plateau karst lakes: Insights from metagenomic analysis
Researchers surveyed microplastic pollution in remote alpine lakes on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, finding concentrations of 20 to 59 particles per liter in water and up to 997 particles per kilogram in sediments. Using metagenomic analysis, they discovered that microplastic surfaces harbored distinct microbial communities carrying antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. The study suggests that even pristine high-altitude ecosystems are affected by microplastic contamination with potential ecological risks.