Microplastic pollution in the Himalayas: Occurrence, distribution, accumulation and environmental impacts

Microplastics have been reported from various ecosystems including lakes, ponds, wetlands, mountains, and forests globally. Recent research works showed microplastic deposition and accumulation in the Himalayan mountains and adjoining ecosystems, rivers and streams. Fine particles of microplastic originating from different anthropogenic sources can travel long distances, even upwards (altitudinally) through atmospheric transport and can pollute remote and pristine locations situated in the Himalayas. Precipitation also plays a vital role in influencing deposition and fall-out of microplastics in the Himalayas. Microplastics can be trapped in the snow in glaciers for a long time and can be released into freshwater rivers by snow melting. Microplastic pollution in Himalayan rivers such as the Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra, Alaknanda, and Kosi has been researched on both the upper and lower catchments. Additionally, Hima-layan region draws many domestic and international tourists throughout the year, resulting in generation of massive and unmanageable volume of plastics wastes and finally ending up in the open landscapes covering forests, river streams and valley. Fragmentation of these plastic wastes can lead to microplastic formation and accumulation in the Himalayas. This paper discusses and explains occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the Himalayan land-scapes, possible adverse effects of microplastic on local ecosystems and human population and policy intervention needed to mitigate microplastic pollution in the Himalayas. A knowledge gap was noticed regarding the fate of microplastics in the freshwater ecosystems and their control mechanisms in the Indian Himalayas. Regulatory ap-proaches for microplastics management in the Himalayas sit within the broader plastics/solid waste management and can be implemented effectively by following integrated approaches.

Automated summary

Microplastics have been found in various ecosystems globally, including lakes, ponds, wetlands, mountains, and forests. Recent research has identified microplastic deposition and accumulation in the Himalayan mountains and surrounding ecosystems, rivers, and streams. Fine particles of microplastic can travel long distances, even through atmospheric transport, and can pollute remote and pristine locations in the Himalayas. This paper discusses the occurrence and distribution of microplastics in the Himalayan landscapes, their potential adverse effects on local ecosystems and human population, and the need for policy intervention to mitigate microplastic pollution.