In Switzerland, the presence of microplastics in Alpine lakes is still very poorly documented. Yet these particles can have a major impact on aquatic ecosystems, which is why research projects are needed to quantify the extent of this atmospheric pollution in our mountains.

Since 2022, the Summit Foundation has been working with the AQUALTI association to extend the research carried out under PLASTILAC to Switzerland, in collaboration with Université Savoie Mont-Blanc. The project involves not only a scientific approach, but also a significant effort to raise awareness among the general public and schools. In the long term, the scientific component will make it possible to better understand the mechanisms of transfer and accumulation of plastic microparticles in Alpine aquatic ecosystems.

Following the major « Clean Mont-Blanc » project carried out in 2021, which made it possible to detect traces of microplastics in the glacial streams of the Mont Blanc massif, it was decided to launch the first PLASTILAC research session in 2022 at Lake Catogne, between Trient (VS) and Vallorcine (F). This first expedition was followed by a new sampling campaign in July 2023 at Lake Bachalp, above Grindelwald (BE).

During these expeditions, a multidisciplinary team (researchers, engineers, divers, communications staff, photographers) travels to a mountain lake to analyze the lake’s microplastic content. Part of the sampling is carried out by researchers on surface waters, and a second part is carried out by professional divers at the bottom of the lake, where sediments are collected.