We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Assessment of vulnerabilities of central himalayan springs towards microplastic pollution.
ClearAssessment 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.
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.
Investigating the Occurrence of Riverine Microplastic Pollution in Western Himalayan region
Scientists found tiny plastic particles called microplastics in rivers throughout the western Himalayan mountains, even in remote areas far from cities. These microscopic plastic pieces are flowing downstream from high mountain areas toward lower regions where millions of people get their drinking water. This matters because microplastics can potentially harm human health when they get into our water supply, and this study shows that even pristine mountain areas aren't safe from plastic pollution.
Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in the biotic and abiotic components of freshwater Manasbal Lake, western Himalaya, India
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance and characteristics across abiotic and biotic compartments of Manasbal Lake in the western Himalayas, finding that MPs are pervasive even in remote mountain catchments and presenting risk assessment data for this understudied high-altitude freshwater ecosystem.
Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in the biotic and abiotic components of freshwater Manasbal Lake, western Himalaya, India
Researchers assessed microplastic abundance and characteristics across abiotic and biotic compartments of Manasbal Lake in the western Himalayas, finding that MPs are pervasive even in remote mountain catchments and presenting risk assessment data for this understudied high-altitude freshwater ecosystem.
Microplastic pollution in the glaciers, lakes, and rivers of the Hindu Kush Himalayas: Knowledge gaps and future perspectives
This review summarizes existing research on microplastic contamination in the glaciers, lakes, and rivers of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, which supplies water to billions of people across Asia. Microplastics have been detected throughout these once-pristine water systems, carried by wind, tourism, and meltwater. The contamination of these critical freshwater sources is concerning because they feed into the drinking water and irrigation systems that millions of people depend on.
Microplastics in the himalayan glaciers: a looming environmental threat
This review summarized evidence for microplastic contamination in Himalayan glaciers and discussed the implications for the freshwater resources these glaciers supply to millions of people. Microplastic accumulation in glacial ice represents a time-delayed release of pollution into downstream water systems as glaciers melt.
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.
Current State of Plastic Use and Available Alternatives in the Himalaya: Challenges and Way Forward
This systematic review examines the current state of plastic use and pollution in the Himalayan region and explores available alternatives. The findings show that plastic waste is increasingly contaminating mountain water sources and ecosystems, which threatens the health of downstream communities who depend on Himalayan rivers for drinking water and agriculture.
Microplastics in the Himalayan environment: a review of sources, atmospheric inputs, and subsurface pathways
This review synthesizes current knowledge on microplastic contamination in the Himalayan environment, examining sources including tourism and agriculture, atmospheric transport pathways, and subsurface migration routes that explain how MPs reach these remote high-altitude ecosystems.
Microplastics in the himalayan glaciers: a looming environmental threat
This review assessed microplastic contamination detected in Himalayan glaciers, highlighting the threat these particles pose to a critical freshwater source. The presence of microplastics in such remote, high-altitude ecosystems underscores how far airborne and atmospheric transport can carry pollution.
Plastic Waste in the Himalayan Range: Issues and Solutions
This review examines plastic waste and microplastic accumulation in Himalayan mountain ecosystems, including lakes, ponds, and wetlands, documenting the sources and deposition pathways of fine microplastic particles in one of the world's most remote mountain ranges.
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.
Microplastic 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.
Alpine ponds as overlooked hotspots of microplastic hazards: Evidence from the Eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in alpine ponds on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau across zones of varying human activity, finding ubiquitous microplastic pollution (up to 594 items/L in water) that directly correlated with anthropogenic pressure, identifying high-altitude ponds as overlooked microplastic hotspots.
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 pollution in vulnerable karst environments: case study from the Slovenian classical karst region
Researchers sampled karst springs, caves, and other habitats in Slovenia's classical karst region and detected microplastics across multiple sites, including springs used for drinking water, raising concerns about plastic contamination of these ecologically sensitive and hydrologically connected underground environments.
Microplastics pollution in the Asian water tower: Source, environmental distribution and proposed mitigation strategy
This review examines how microplastics have reached the remote Asian Water Tower region, which includes high-altitude glaciers and the headwaters of major rivers. Researchers found that polyethylene and polyurethane fibers are the most common microplastics in the area, and evidence indicates they may be enhancing greenhouse gas emissions and disrupting soil microbial communities, with broader implications for climate change.
Environmental Risks of Microplastics on the Spatial and Temporal Gradient in a River Originating from the Western Himalayas
This study evaluated microplastic pollution in Pakistan's Chenab River originating from the Western Himalayas, assessing spatial and temporal distribution patterns and environmental risks of microplastics across the river system.
Microplastics in Himalayan Glaciers: A Comprehensive Study of recent findings on characteristics and potential source
Researchers collected surface snow samples from western and central Himalayan glaciers to assess microplastic contamination, identifying polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene particles predominantly smaller than 100 micrometers. Air mass trajectory analysis indicated that the microplastics are transported to these remote glaciers through long-range atmospheric pathways. The study raises concerns about the environmental integrity of Himalayan freshwater reserves and the potential impact of microplastic accumulation on glacier health.
Microplastic pollution in Himalayan lakes: assessment, risks, and sustainable remediation strategies
This review examines microplastic contamination in ecologically sensitive Himalayan lakes, where pollution enters through tourism, glacier melt, and atmospheric deposition. Researchers found that these remote high-altitude ecosystems face growing contamination but are severely understudied due to harsh conditions and logistical challenges. The study evaluates remediation strategies including nanotechnology-based solutions and highlights the need for more research on microplastic behavior in these isolated freshwater systems.
Abundance and characteristics of microplastics in a freshwater river in northwestern Himalayas, India - Scenario of riverbank solid waste disposal sites
Researchers measured microplastic contamination in the Jhelum River in the Himalayas near garbage dump sites, finding an average of about 1,474 particles per cubic meter. Fibers and fragments from everyday plastics like polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common types found. The study shows that even remote freshwater sources used for drinking and irrigation are contaminated with microplastics, raising concerns for the communities that depend on them.
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.
Microplastic pollution in mountain terrains and foothills: A review on source, extraction, and distribution of microplastics in remote areas
This review examines microplastic pollution in mountain terrains and foothills, finding that atmospheric transport and tourism are major sources, with snow samples containing the highest concentrations compared to streams or ice cores.