Papers

61,005 results
|
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Figshare
Article Tier 2

Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in the biotic and abiotic components of freshwater Manasbal Lake, western Himalaya, India

Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in both abiotic (water, sediment) and biotic (fish, invertebrates) components of Manasbal Lake in the western Himalaya, India, providing one of the first combined assessments of microplastic distribution in a remote mountain lake ecosystem. The study characterised microplastic abundance, morphology, and polymer types across compartments and conducted ecological risk assessments, finding measurable contamination despite the lake's remote location.

2025 ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH
Article Tier 2

Additional file 1 of Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in the biotic and abiotic components of freshwater Manasbal Lake, western Himalaya, India

Researchers provided supplementary material supporting an assessment of microplastic contamination and ecological risk in both biotic and abiotic components of freshwater Manasbal Lake in the western Himalaya, India.

2025 Figshare
Article Tier 2

Additional file 1 of Microplastic contamination and risk assessment in the biotic and abiotic components of freshwater Manasbal Lake, western Himalaya, India

Researchers provided supplementary material supporting an assessment of microplastic contamination and ecological risk in both biotic and abiotic components of freshwater Manasbal Lake in the western Himalaya, India.

2025 Figshare
Article Tier 2

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.

2023 Chemosphere 41 citations
Article Tier 2

First insights into plastic and microplastic occurrence in biotic and abiotic compartments, and snow from a high-mountain lake (Carnic Alps)

This study provided first data on plastic and microplastic occurrence in both biotic and abiotic samples from high-mountain lakes on the Tibetan Plateau, one of the most remote freshwater ecosystems on Earth. Plastics larger than 5 mm and microplastics were found in lake water and biota, demonstrating that even pristine high-altitude freshwater systems are not free from plastic contamination.

2020 Chemosphere 132 citations
Article Tier 2

Quantifying Microplastics Abundance and Their Implications as Vectors for Heavy Metal Adsorption in Freshwater Aquatic System of Kashmir Himalaya

Researchers measured microplastic abundance in both water and sediment of Manasbal Lake in the Kashmir Himalaya and examined how the particles interact with heavy metals. Microplastics were found throughout the lake and showed capacity to adsorb heavy metals, raising dual concerns about plastic particles and metal contamination in a sensitive Himalayan freshwater system.

2023
Article Tier 2

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.

2026 Environmental Research Water
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Chemosphere 11 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2021 Chemosphere 128 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastics in the high-altitude Himalayas: Assessment of microplastic contamination in freshwater lake sediments, Northwest Himalaya (India)

Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in sediments of freshwater Anchar Lake in the Kashmir Himalayas, finding an average of 606 particles per kilogram dominated by polyamide fibers, with domestic wastewater and textile sources identified as primary contributors.

2021 Chemosphere 166 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic contamination in the pristine waters of Tilicho Lake, Nepal: A groundbreaking study in the high-altitude himalayas

Researchers conducted a first-of-its-kind study documenting microplastic contamination in Tilicho Lake, Nepal, one of the world's highest-altitude freshwater lakes, highlighting the penetration of plastic pollution into remote alpine environments.

2025 iScience
Article Tier 2

Microplastic pollution in high-altitude Nainital lake, Uttarakhand, India

This is the first study to document microplastic contamination in Nainital Lake, a high-altitude lake in the Indian Himalayas that serves as the main drinking water source for the local town. Researchers found microplastics in every sample, with concentrations up to 56 particles per liter in lake water. Tourist activities and runoff were identified as the main pollution sources, raising concerns about drinking water safety for the local population.

2024 Environmental Pollution 33 citations
Article Tier 2

Microplastic and heavy metal contamination in sediments of the high-altitude Nundkol Lake of northwestern Himalayas-Kashmir

Researchers found both heavy metals and microplastics in the sediment of a remote high-altitude glacial lake in the Himalayas, with microplastic levels averaging 76 particles per kilogram of dry sediment — predominantly plastic fibers from nylon. The contamination is likely linked to tourism, trekking, and fishing activities in what was once considered a pristine wilderness area.

2024 Environmental Pollution and Management 9 citations
Article Tier 2

Impact of land use land cover on microplastic accumulation in high-altitude freshwater lakes of the central Himalayas

Researchers investigated the spatial distribution of microplastics in the surface water of three high-altitude lakes in the Kumaun region of the central Himalayas — Nainital, Garudtal, and Bhimtal — and examined the influence of land use and land cover (LULC) at the catchment scale on microplastic accumulation. The study found that lakes with greater proportions of built-up and agricultural land in their catchments had higher microplastic concentrations, demonstrating that LULC is a key driver of microplastic loading in remote mountain lakes.

2025 Scientific Reports
Article Tier 2

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.

2024 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

Co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in a freshwater lake system in Indian Himalaya: Distribution and influencing factors

Researchers found widespread microplastic contamination in both the water and sediments of Manasbal Lake in the Indian Himalayas, with concentrations up to 4,020 particles per kilogram of sediment. Domestic sewage was identified as the primary source, and the microplastics were found alongside elevated levels of heavy metals like lead. This co-contamination is concerning because microplastics can absorb and transport heavy metals, potentially increasing toxic exposure for communities that depend on the lake.

2024 Emerging contaminants 40 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Environmental Pollution
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology 1 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2025 Himalayan Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Article Tier 2

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.

2023 The Science of The Total Environment 110 citations
Article Tier 2

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.

2026 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Article Tier 2

Microplastic convergence in high-altitude lakes of the Tibetan Plateau: Mechanisms, indicators, and risk stratification

Researchers assessed microplastic pollution in 14 high-altitude freshwater lakes above 4,500 meters on the Tibetan Plateau, a region far from major human activity. Microplastics were detected at every site, with PET as the dominant polymer type, suggesting long-range atmospheric transport and local textile sources. The study developed a geospatial risk model showing that precipitation, surface runoff, and proximity to roads are key factors driving microplastic accumulation even in these remote environments.

2026 Journal of Hazardous Materials
Article Tier 2

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.

2026 Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)