Microplastics in biotic and abiotic compartments of high-mountain lakes from Alps

Microplastic (MP) pollution is a major environmental concern for mountain ecosystem and high-mountain lakes in particular, which are recognized indicators of global change. In this study, the presence MPs was assessed abiotic (water sediment) biotic (zooplankton, tadpoles, fish) compartments two (Upper Lake Balma Lower Balma) Cottian Alps (northwest Italy). No were found water zooplankton samples, whereas mean sediment samples 1.33 ± 0.67 items/m3 1.75 0.62 Upper Balma, respectively. The tadpoles Rana temporaria 0.33 0.58 items/individual 0.66 number items gastrointestinal tract (GIT) fish (Salvelinus fontinalis) considerably higher specimens from (0.45 items/g GIT) than those (0.20 GIT). There negative relationship between size (weight age) abundance GIT fish, indicating that young accumulated more MP probably due to high prey ingestion rate compared adults. same color (blue, white, black), shape (fibers fragments), chemical type (polypropylene polyethylene) both lakes. Our findings suggest use S. fontinalis as an indicator Further studies needed better understand sources effects these remote ecosystems.