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.
