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According to the foreign outlet New Atlas, as a tiny waste just a few millimeters in size, microplastics are a hidden form of plastic pollution that is incredibly difficult to track, but scientists are getting a better understanding of how much exists. Deep. The latest discoveries in this regard come from high altitude areas,When the researchers studied microplastics on Mount Everest, they found evidence for the existence of microplastics for the first time below the mountaintop.
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Most of the research on microplastic pollution has focused on its path through the marine environment. Larger plastic fragments will wash up in the ocean and break into smaller pieces under the corrosive force of the ocean. Studies have found that there are high concentrations of microplastics in the deep sea and the ocean floor, and there is growing evidence that microplastics affect the health of marine species.
Researchers have previously found microplastics in Antarctic and Arctic sea ice, and even Arctic snowfall. However, there is not enough research on the amount of microplastics in the terrestrial environment, much less in the remote peaks of the Himalayas.
Researchers at the University of Plymouth wanted to know something about this topic. They analyzed snow and stream samples collected during their expedition to Mount Everest in the spring of 2019. The scientists found the highest concentration of microplastics around Everest Base Camp, where there are relatively more hikers and tourists, but they also found evidence of microplastics at a higher rate. altitude of 8440 meters, near the top of the mountain. In addition, they can also show what types of plastic pollution exist on the highest mountain in the world.
“The samples showed a lot of polyester, acrylic, nylon and polypropylene fibers,” said Imogen Napper, first author of the study. “These materials are increasingly being used to make high-performance outerwear for climbers, as well as tents and climbing ropes, so we suspect these types of items are the main source of contamination, rather than things like packaging. of food and beverages “.
Knowing what types of plastic will help scientists trace the path of contamination. Due to their small size and obvious abundance, microplastics are very difficult to clean, so limiting our dependence on products that contain them and developing alternatives will be our key to cleaning up (or preventing) clutter.
“Currently, environmental protection efforts tend to focus on reducing, reusing and recycling larger waste projects,” Napper said. “This is important, but we also have to start focusing on deeper technical solutions, focusing on microplastics, such as changing the fabric design and adding natural fibers instead of plastics when possible.”
The research was published in One Earth magazine.
