Scientists reported an unexpected discovery in the "death zone" of Everest

Scientists have discovered at the summit of the highest point on Earth something that should not be there under any circumstances: microplastic particles were found there.

Scientists have made a disturbing discovery at the summit of the highest point on Earth - where pristine nature should reign, microplastic particles have been found.

The pollution was detected in the so-called "death zone" - an area located at an altitude of more than eight thousand meters above sea level. Researchers note with alarm that microplastics are present not only in the snow cover but also in flowing rivers at the summit of Everest.

The scientific community suggests that particles of polyester, acrylic, and nylon reached the highest point of the planet with climbers and their equipment. This clearly demonstrates the scale of human influence even on the most remote corners of Earth.

The highest concentration of harmful particles was recorded near climbing camps - places with the largest gatherings of people. Analysis showed that a liter of water from snow samples collected in these areas contains an average of about 30 microplastic particles. In the most polluted samples, scientists counted up to 119 particles, reports "Mediaflow".

The substance was found in the so-called death zone - a point exceeding the height of more than eight thousand meters above sea level. Microplastic particles were discovered not only in snow covers but also in flowing rivers at the summit of Everest.

According to scientists, particles of polyester, acrylic, and nylon could have reached the summit of the planet due to climbers and their equipment.

Most of the harmful particles were found near camps where extreme athletes spend the most time. Per liter of water in snow samples taken from there, an average of about 30 microplastic particles were found, and the most polluted samples contained 119 units, reports "Mediaflow".