Microplastics in snow of a high mountain national park: El teide, tenerife (canary islands, spain)

A study on microplastics (MPs) in the snow of Teide National Park, Canary Islands, revealed significant deposition of MPs at high altitudes (2,100-3,200 m), with concentrations increasing during periods of high anthropogenic pressure. The research identified a prevalence of blue and black fibers averaging 1259 µm in length, primarily composed of cellulose, polyester, and acrylic. Samples were collected in January and February 2021 using stereomicroscopy for visualization and quantification, followed by chemical composition analysis via micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The findings highlight the long-distance transport of MPs through atmospheric deposition and their potential ecological impacts on remote mountain ecosystems.

Villanova-Solano, C., Hernández-Sánchez, C., Díaz Peña, F. J., González-Sálamo, J., González-Pleiter, M., & Hernández-Borges, J. (2022). Microplastics in snow of a high mountain national park: El teide, tenerife (canary islands, spain). Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.7216544