FIRST REPORT OF MICROPLASTICS IN PERUVIAN ANDES: THE CASE OF PACCHA GLACIER IN THE CENTRAL MOUNTAIN RANGE, HUAROCHIRI-LIMA

Osorio V.Q.; Aguirre Y.A.D.; Juan De Dios J.R.A.; Anchelia F.E.R.; Sotomayor D.A. · Ecologia Aplicada (2026) · DOI: 10.21704/rea.v24i2.2388

Resumen

Tropical glaciers are in serious danger, especially due to anthropogenic activities. This study aimed to characterize and investigate microplastics (MP) presence in the tropical glacier Paccha, located in the Andes Mountains of Peru, in order to provide evidence on plastic pollution on high-mountain ecosystems. Surface samples of snow and ice were collected, from which thirteen suspected microparticles were isolated and analysed using micro-Raman spectroscopy to determine their polymeric composition. The results confirmed the presence of polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and, tentatively, isotactic polypropylene (iPP); also there were signals compatible with other synthetic polymers such as chlorinated PVC, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyacenaphthylene. Most of the particles presented fragmentary or fibrous shapes, and colours associated with materials of anthropogenic origin. The detected MP likely originate from both long-range atmospheric transport and local human activities. Their accumulation on the glacier surface represents an environmental risk due to their potential influence on accelerated ice melting and the ecological vulnerability of these environments. This work represents the first record of microplastics presence in Peruvian glaciers and highlights the urgent need to further research into the tropical cryosphere. © Departamento Académico de Biología, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima – Perú.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina