Microplastics found in snow and water close to summit of Mount Everest

Some were present in samples from the Balcony of Mount Everest which is 8,440 metres above sea level – representing the highest recorded microplastics ever found on Earth.

Microplastics at Mount Everest found. Picture: Baker Perry/National Geographic

Microplastics have been discovered in snow and stream water close to the summit of Mount Everest, scientists have revealed.

The polyester, acrylic, nylon and polypropylene fibres were present in samples collected on the mountain and on the valley below.