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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastic and heavy metal contamination in sediments of the high-altitude Nundkol Lake of northwestern Himalayas-Kashmir
ClearIdentification, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lake sediments act as a sink of microplastics in the High-Altitude Himalayan Dal Lake, India
Researchers quantified microplastic concentrations in surface water and sediments of Dal Lake, a high-altitude Himalayan urban lake in India at 1,583 meters elevation, finding sediment concentrations up to nearly 13,000 particles per kilogram dry weight and concluding that lake sediments act as a long-term sink for microplastic accumulation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Pollution status of microplastics in the sediments of warm monomictic Dal lake, India: Abundance, composition, and risk assessment
Researchers conducted the first investigation of microplastic contamination in the sediments of Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, India. They found concentrations ranging from 503 to over 3,000 particles per kilogram, with the highest levels occurring in spring, and identified multiple polymer types with polyester and polyethylene being most common. The study establishes baseline pollution data for this ecologically important lake and highlights the seasonal patterns of microplastic accumulation.
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.
Microplastics in a remote lake basin of the Tibetan Plateau: Impacts of atmospheric transport and glacial melting
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in a remote Tibetan Plateau lake basin, finding that both atmospheric transport via rainfall and glacial melting contribute microplastics to this pristine environment, with concentrations increasing in glacial meltwater areas.
Microplastic contamination in high-altitude glacier lakes in Northern Anatolia
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in eight high-altitude glacier lakes in northeastern Turkey and found plastic particles in both surface water and sediments at every site. The most common polymer types identified were polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene, with concentrations varying significantly between lakes. The findings demonstrate that microplastic pollution has reached even remote mountain ecosystems far from major population centers.
Microplastic contamination in lacustrine sediments in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Current status and transfer mechanisms
Researchers investigated microplastic contamination in lacustrine sediments across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, finding abundances ranging from 17 to 2,644 items/kg dry weight and identifying atmospheric deposition and river transport as key transfer mechanisms to these remote high-altitude lakes.
Distribution and potential sources of microplastics in sediments in remote lakes of Tibet, China
Researchers assessed microplastic contamination in sediments from 12 remote lakes on the Tibetan Plateau in China, an area with minimal human activity. Despite the isolation, they found between 17 and 2,644 microplastic particles per kilogram of dried sediment, levels considered high compared to some other freshwater systems. The findings suggest that long-range atmospheric transport and limited local sources like tourism contribute to microplastic pollution even in some of Earth's most remote environments.
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.
Microplastics in glaciers of Tibetan Plateau: Characteristics and potential sources
Researchers found microplastics in glaciers across the Tibetan Plateau, one of the most remote regions on Earth, with an average of about 339 particles per liter of snow. The plastics likely traveled through the atmosphere from distant populated areas, showing that microplastic pollution is truly global. Since these glaciers feed major rivers that supply drinking water to billions of people in Asia, this contamination has direct implications for human health.
Potential ecological risk of microplastics contamination to environment in protect area lakes
Researchers studied microplastic contamination in protected area lakes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and found that even these remote, supposedly pristine environments contain microplastics. The study compared protected lakes with those outside protected areas and found contamination levels varied by region and economic development. This shows that microplastic pollution reaches even the most isolated freshwater sources, which could affect drinking water quality for surrounding communities.