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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics in the high-altitude Himalayas: Assessment of microplastic contamination in freshwater lake sediments, Northwest Himalaya (India)
ClearSpatial 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Microplastic Pollution in Urban Lake Phewa, Nepal: The First Report on Abundance and Composition in Surface Water of Lake in Different Seasons
Researchers conducted the first survey of microplastics in Lake Phewa, a major freshwater lake in Nepal, finding plastic particles in surface water across all seasons. Fiber microplastics were most abundant, consistent with laundry and textile sources. This study provides baseline data for microplastic monitoring in Nepal, where freshwater microplastic research has been largely absent.
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.
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 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.
Occurrence and Distribution of Microplastics from Nepal’s Second Largest Lake
Researchers conducted the first microplastic survey of Phewa Lake in Nepal, finding an average of 55–122.5 microplastic items per kilogram of sediment, with fiber shapes and polypropylene polymers dominating, and highest concentrations near densely populated shorelines.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
First incidence of microplastic in commercially important food fishes and waters: A case study in the dal Lake ecosystem of North-Western Himalaya (India)
Researchers found microplastics for the first time in commercially important fish and water from Dal Lake in India's Himalayas, with water containing about 197 particles per liter and fish harboring up to 22 particles each. Polyethylene was the most common plastic type found, and the presence of microplastics in food fish indicates these particles are moving up the food chain toward human consumers.
Microplastic pollution in lakeshore sediments: the first report on abundance and composition of Phewa Lake, Nepal
The first study of microplastic pollution in Phewa Lake sediments in Nepal found an average abundance of 100.5 items per kg dry weight, with fibres dominating at 78% and polypropylene as the main polymer, establishing a baseline for freshwater microplastic research in the country.
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.
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.
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.
Variation of microplastics in the shore sediment of high-altitude lakes of the Indian Himalaya using different pretreatment methods
Researchers detected microplastics in shore sediments of three high-altitude lakes in Ladakh, India including remote Himalayan sites, testing two different pretreatment methods and finding that method choice significantly affected detected MP abundance and characteristics. The presence of MPs in these remote high-altitude lakes indicates long-range atmospheric transport of plastic particles.