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WS 3.115

Rise of pollutants in the cryosphere

Details

Full Title
WS 3.115: Rise of pollutants in the cryosphere: interactions and ecological effects
Scheduled
Talks & Session:
2025-09-16, 13:30 - 15:00 (LT), SOWI – SR 2
Convener
Arianna Crosta
Co-Conveners
Sophia Mützel, Birgit Sattler, Marco Parolini,
Assigned to Synthesis Workshop
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Thematic Focus
Cryo- & Hydrosphere, Ecosystems
Keywords
Pollutants, Ecological effects, Contaminant cycling, Pollutant interactions

Description

The cryosphere encompasses areas where water occurs in solid form, including geomorphologic features such as snowpacks, seasonally frozen lakes and rivers, and glaciers. Most of the cryosphere has been considered as pristine until a few decades ago, when the discovery of contaminants in remote areas dismantled this myth. As of now, several contaminants have been detected in environmental matrices of the cryosphere, such as snow and ice. Among them, persistent organic pollutants (e.g. pesticides), radioactive compounds, heavy metals, herbicides, PFAS, and microplastics. Several studies in different areas of the world have now investigated the occurrence and concentration of these contaminant categories in the cryosphere. However, up to this moment, the number of studies regarding interactions among the contaminants, their bioavailability and ecological effects are much less. To understand the role of the cryosphere in contaminant cycling and the extent of the threats that cold-adapted organisms face due to contamination, it is fundamental to expand our knowledge on these topics. Due to the high dynamism of cryospheric environments and their harsh conditions, both in situ and ex situ experiments about contaminants interactions, bioavailability, and ecological effects need careful planning and execution, and we believe an open discussion among scientists will be fruitful for future studies.

During the workshop we will discuss the entry pathways and ecological effects of the contaminants studied by participants. We will talk about investigation methods and current knowledge gaps. To improve the exchange among scientists with different backgrounds, we encourage all participants to come ready with the following information about their contaminants of choice: persistence, usage and production volumes, bans, political regulations, studies about ecological consequences and co-occurrence with other contaminants in the cryosphere.

We welcome all scientists working – or who wish to work – on pollutants, and would specifically encourage social scientists to join.

Submitted Abstracts

ID: 3.5065

Microplastic contaminants pose a risk to Himalayan groundwater aquifers and its future perspectives

Suhail Lone
Jeelani, Gh

Abstract/Description

Microplastics (MPs) have become a significant pollutant in groundwater, posing severe risks to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Despite their known toxic and carcinogenic effects, the sources, transport and fate of MPs in Himalayan groundwater aquifers remain poorly understood. This study explores potential causes of MP contamination, emphasizing the role of atmospheric deposition and cryospheric processes in high-altitude regions. MPs are deposited onto snowpacks and glaciers through atmospheric transportation, which act as reservoirs. Seasonal snowmelt and glacier retreat release MPs into surface water, allowing them to infiltrate groundwater systems. These processes are intensified by the regional dynamic hydrology, including rapid meltwater flow and permeable soil structures. The study also examines MPs fate and movement in groundwater, such as their mobility, interaction with soil qualities and probable pollutant co-seepage. MPs also act as carriers for co-contaminants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants, amplifying environmental risks. This contamination threatens not only groundwater quality but also the broader Himalayan ecosystem, already under stress from climate change. The deposition of MPs in cryospheric components highlights the interconnectedness of atmospheric and hydrological systems, with downstream effects on freshwater availability and ecosystem health. To address these challenges, sustainable water resource management is critical. Strategies include monitoring MP levels, implementing policies to reduce plastic use, and developing advanced remediation techniques such as filtration and bioremediation. Protecting the cryosphere from MP deposition and engaging local communities in sustainable practices are equally vital. As the Himalayas serve as a crucial water source for billions, urgent action is needed to mitigate MP pollution and safeguard these vulnerable ecosystems for future generations.

ID: 3.5536

Microplastic pollution in typical cryospheric regions of the North-Western Himalayas

Shahid Dar
Gani, Khalid

Abstract/Description

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) have been extensively studied in marine environments, yet there lies a significant gap in assessing their occurrence and impacts in glacier environments. This study investigated (i) the occurrence, abundance, and characterization of MPs and NPs in four major glaciers (Kolahai, Thajwas, Harmukh, and Pir Panjal range) of northwestern Himalayas, and (ii) the sources and pathways of MPs transport to the Himalayan region using HYSPLIT trajectory model. Glacier ice and snow samples were collected in duplicates with bare hands to avoid any plastic contamination from different glacier sites. MPs and NPs were isolated in a biosafety cabinet following standard methodology. An InVia Raman microscope was used to characterize the polymer composition of MPs, while SEM-EDS provided morphological and elemental composition. MPs concentration ranged from 1000 particles m^-3 in Kolahai glacier to 151000 particles m^-3 in Thajwas glacier. In suspended air, MPs occurred at 5 particles m^-3, while dry deposition samples showed a concentration of 1-13 particles m^-2 d^-1. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) confirmed the presence of NPs in all glaciers, with sizes varying between 31-689 nm in Thajwas glacier and 360-953 nm in Harmukh glacier. The majority of the MPs particles included fibres (62.1%), followed by fragments (23.2%), beads (7.9%), films (4.5%), and pellets (2.3%). HYSPLIT model revealed that air masses reaching Himalayan glaciers predominantly originate from global sources (75%), followed by followed by followed by regional (16.7%), and local (8.3%) sources. The pollution load index (PLI) ranged from 3.9 (hazard category I) to 40 (hazard category IV) indicating moderate to excessive pollution of glaciers. While as polymer hazard index (PHI) ranged from 10 (hazard category II) to 1987 (hazard category V) indicating medium to extreme danger due to presence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). The findings highlight the vulnerability of Himalayan glaciers to MP and NP pollution, exacerbated by their light-absorbing properties that may accelerate warming and melting. Further research is essential to understand the implications of MPs and NPs on glacier health and climate change.

Acknowledgments
Shahid Ahmad Dar acknowledges the National Post-Doctoral Fellowship (NPDF) (Grant No. PDF/2023/000935) provided by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) formerly Science & Engineering Research Board (SERB), India for carrying out this work.

ID: 3.8460

Warming-Driven Enhanced Glacial Melt Fuels Trace Metal Mobilization from Mountain Glaciers and Ice Sheets

Shipika Sundriyal
sundriyal, shipika

Abstract/Description

Glacier retreat, a consequence of climate warming, raises concerns about the release of trace elements (TEs) previously trapped within the ice. This study investigates the differential release patterns of TEs from mountain glaciers compared to ice sheets, a critical factor for assessment downstream ecological impacts. By comparing the TEs release patterns in meltwater from both glacier types, are observed a higher TEs mobility in mountain glaciers compared to ice sheets. Himalayan meltwater, in particular exhibits with high concentrations of micronutrients like zinc (Zn), potentially alleviating nutrient limitations downstream. However, increased release of bioavailable TEs, including Zn and copper (Cu), raises concerns about metal contamination. This phenomenon is attributed to faster meltwater runoff, varied bedrock geology, and in-creased physical erosion in mountain glaciers. While some released TEs may act as ben-eficial micronutrients for downstream ecosystems, the potential for increased transport of harmful elements like cadmium (Cd) necessitates careful consideration. These find-ings highlight the critical role of geographic context in TEs release. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing management strategies that address both potential benefits (nutrient supply) and risks (metal contamination) associated with TEs release from retreating glaciers.

ID: 3.11779

PFAS in cloud water and snow in alpine regions of Austria

Michaela Porkert
Riedelberger, Thomas; Maier, Christian; Greilinger, Marion; Happenhofer, Felix; Gregori, Martin; Kasper-Giebl, Anne

Abstract/Description

PFAS receive increasing interest due to their adverse health effects, their stability and physical chemical properties, which make them long lasting in the environment. Several studies focus on PFAS in aerosol and in precipitation but not so for cloud water, or a connection between those environmental compartments. Here we snow samples from “Hoher Sonnblick” (3106 m a.s.l.) in the Austrian Alps and cloud water samples collected at this site with an active cloud water sampler (CWS) (C. Kruisz et al. 1991). During a 14 day campaign in August 2024 a total of approx. 50 samples was collected for chemical analysis. Analysis of 20 PFAS, mentioned in the EU drinking water guideline, was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Snow samples were collected manually in snow pits by Geosphere Austria. Generally, in both compartments more Per- and polyfluorinated carbonic acids (PFAAS) were found than the sulfonic derivates (PFASS), reaching levels up to 29 ng/L for “sum 20 PFAS” in cloud water and 20 ng/L for snow profiles and up to 15 ng/L for fresh snow. Also, short chained C4 to C7 PFAAS built the majority of the found PFAS. This is consistent with prior studies. Other studies showed background snow regions reach concentrations up to 27 ng/L for PFUnDA whereas snow from ski regions can reach levels up to 113 ng/L for PFBA or 61 ng/L for PFHxA. Considering that ski waxes often contain fluoro waxes which are made of PFAS or PFAS precursor and can therefore emit them directly in the snow. This study relates concentrations in cloud water and snow from backround regions with available measurements. This work is granted by Forschungs- und Förderungsgesellschaft Österreich (FFG).

ID: 3.12714

Investigating metal accumulation and internal sequestration in an ice-dwelling springtail species

Arianna Crosta
Seybold, Anna Cosima; Valle, Barbara

Abstract/Description

Springtails are known to include many ice-dwelling species. On the ice-surface, springtail populations can reach densities and biomasses that are worth of notice, up to 155 000 individuals per square metre, with a dry biomass reaching values of 151.90 μg/cm2. In harsh environments like glaciers, such a dense presence suggests that springtail populations can significantly contribute to sustaining higher-level consumers, becoming key species of the glacial trophic webs. Meanwhile, Alpine glaciers are also known to be contaminated by many pollutants, among which heavy metals. To understand springtails’ potential for bioaccumulation of heavy metals, and the possible effects on the higher trophic levels, we collected samples of 15-20 specimens of Vertagopus glacialis (Valle, 2025) from four different glaciers in the Alps with different concentrations of heavy metals. Samples will be analysed by Transmission Electron Microscope with energy dispersive X-ray detectors (TEM-EDX) to understand if, where, and in which concentrations heavy metals are accumulated by Vertagopus glacialis and to evaluate variability among sites. Samples analysis will be concluded in the coming months. Based on studies on other species, we expect springtails to accumulate excess heavy metals in inert granules in cells of the gut epithelium, and granules to be expelled through moulting of the gut epithelium. If this hypothesis were to be confirmed, specimens of Vertagopus glacialis would be quite resistant to metal contamination and the bioavailability to higher trophic levels reduced.

ID: 3.12721

Pesticide degradation potential expressed by cryoconite hole microbial communities from an alpine glacier and the Greenland Ice Sheet: a comparative study

Alessandro Cuzzeri
Van Dijk, Lars; Jacobsen, Carsten Suhr; Sattler, Birgit

Abstract/Description

Since their mass introduction for agricultural use during the last century, pesticides attracted an increasing amount of attention from the scientific community due to their unique nature of being released in the environment not by mistake, but by design. While some of these compounds are generally sprayed directly onto crops to reduce yield losses caused by pests, their environmental repercussions can hardly be circumscribed to the area of application. Driven by their differential chemical affinity towards environmental matrices, some classes of pesticides that are more prone to resuspension go through medium/long-range atmospheric transport and end up accumulating elsewhere. Glacial habitats are sometimes referred to as “cold condensers” precisely due to their tendency of acting as such accumulating compartments, exposing off-target (micro)biological communities to enhanced levels of toxicants. In this study, we determine the degradative adaptations and pesticide mineralization rates by spiking and incubating microbial communities sampled from cryoconite holes on the Forni Glacier (Central Alps, Italy) and the Greenland Ice Sheet. Cryoconite holes are unique glacial habitats: when wind-blown dark-colored sediment is deposited on the bare ice, in virtue of its lower albedo it melts through the surface while gradually filling up with melt water, resulting in a sheltered environment for microorganisms to thrive in. To simulate the native environment, we employ a custom-built incubation unit running on a 12-h light and 12-h dark regime and controlled temperature. The compounds of choice are 14C-labelled 2,4D, MCPA, Chlorpyrifos and glucose, respectively being two widely used herbicides, an insecticide and a positive control, inoculated at zero, 1 and 100ppm concentrations. A scintillation counter is used to quantify the mineralization along the 6 months microcosm experiment, while small aliquots of sediment are sampled from the bottles for the subsequent metagenomics and transcriptomics analyses. Preliminary results highlight significant differences in mineralization across all compounds between Alpine and Greenlandic communities, with the former consistently outperforming the latter in mineralized percentage. Further genomic insights will be crucial to characterize the microbial taxa responsible for the degradation processes and their adaptations, to better understand the underlying processes they are responsible for.

ID: 3.12924

From Lowlands to Alpine Heights: Citizen Science and Machine Learning for Data-Driven Litter Assessment and Conservation

Sophia Mützel
Weisleitner, Klemens; Gattinger, Daniel; Griesser, Tobias; Zech, Philipp; Grube, Tabea; Crosta, Arianna; Sattler, Birgit

Abstract/Description

Mountain regions are fragile ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots providing important ecosystem services, yet they face increasing threats from climate change and human activities. Litter—misplaced solid waste such as plastics, metal, paper, and organic materials—poses a significant challenge. However, high-altitude regions remain understudied in this context, with most research offering spatially constrained insights. Comprehensive data on litter distribution are urgently needed to mitigate ecological impacts and develop effective management strategies. Here, we combined smartphone-based citizen science by the usage of the litter app “Dreckspotz” with deep learning to address data quality challenges and analyze litter distribution across Austria over 7 years, with a focus on alpine regions. We employed deep learning models to effectively remove low quality data, enhancing data reliability and strengthening study conclusions. Our analysis revealed that plastics and cigarettes dominated litter categories, and the five most frequently reported brands accounted for 75% of the reported litter, emphasizing the role of specific products in environmental pollution with altitudinal variations. These findings highlight the potential of citizen science to bridge data gaps in challenging environments and demonstrate the value of advanced validation techniques to improve data quality. By identifying environmental pressure points, this study provides actionable insights to guide conservation efforts and inform policies aimed at preserving fragile mountain ecosystems.

ID: 3.13042

Plastic Surfaces Shape Early Microbial Biofilms and Reveal Potential Degraders in Proglacial Lake in the Austrian Alps

Sophia Mützel
Cuzzeri, Alessandro; Crosta, Arianna; Summerer, Monika; Weisleitner, Klemens; Unterberger, Seraphin; Seybold, Anna; Gerdts, Gunnar; Sattler, Birgit

Abstract/Description

Plastic pollution has reached remote cryospheric ecosystems, already threatened by the climate crisis and biodiversity loss. Biofilms represent the predominant form of microbial life in cold habitats, where they play a crucial role in driving geochemical processes and establishing the foundation of local food webs. Plastic surfaces offer new niches for microbial colonization, potentially altering key ecological functions. However, the influence of polymer type on the establishment of biofilm microbial communities in these sensitive environments remains unclear. We studied microbial biofilms on polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) over ten weeks during the ablation phase in a proglacial lake in the Austrian Alps. Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we analysed bacteria colonizing polymer surfaces and compared them to glass as a non-polymer control and free-living communities in lake water. Alpha diversity increased over time on all substrates, though it was significantly lower in the incipient biofilm, with no material-specific effects. Early-stage biofilms showed distinct community compositions across polymer types, dominated by Betaproteobacteria (64.2%), which declined over time. At the beginning, Betaproteobacteria were most abundant on glass (82.7%) and least on PE (50.2%). Gammaproteobacteria (14.3% overall) were enriched on PE (45.7%) at T1, while Alphaproteobacteria (16.7% overall) were most abundant in lake water (28.0%). Redundancy analysis revealed temporal changes as the main driver of community shifts, with pH as the only significant water chemistry factor influencing composition. Potential polymer-degrading bacteria were found on all substrates, especially in early-stage biofilms, with PE showing the greatest taxanomic abundance. Our results show that while material type influences initial colonization, microbial communities converge over time. The presence of potential degraders suggests that nutrient-limited cryospheric microbes may adapt to plastic as a carbon source. This study highlights the complex interplay between substrate properties, temporal dynamics, and environmental conditions in shaping plastisphere communities in cold freshwater ecosystems.

ID:

SOWI – SR 2

Abstract/Description

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#IMC: September 14 - 18 2025

WS 3.115

Rise of pollutants in the cryosphere

Details

Full Title

Scheduled

Convener

Co-Conveners

Assigned to Synthesis Workshop

Thematic Focus

Keywords

Description

Submitted Abstracts

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