CLEAN MONT BLANC

Search for microplastics in the Mont-Blanc massif

The Mont-Blanc massif, with its 28 peaks over 4000 m, constitutes a privileged site for the study of plastic pollution carried by the atmosphere.
Clean Mont-Blanc is a scientific research project on the theme of microplastics (diffuse air pollution).
Supported by AQUALTI and SUMMIT Foundation, the project has the SAVOIE MONT-BLANC University as its scientific referent and relies on a multidisciplinary team (engineers, researchers, montagnards, communicants, …).
This is funded by a whole series of local actors and international partners.
The cross-border project (France, Suisse, Italy) revolves around 2 complementary components : taking samples at the top of Mont-Blanc, taking samples around Mont-Blanc in glacier outlets.
A word from the godfather, Kílian Jornet, as part of the actions of its foundation for the protection of the mountain :
kilianjornetfoundation

GOALS

Study the quality of water emanating from glaciers by mapping the concentration levels of microplastics carried by the atmosphere:

  • Spot samples using a filtration device on the outlets of 18 glaciers representative of the massif
  • Chemical analyzes in the laboratory : quantification of the particles collected and determination of the type of polymer
  • Carrying out a mapping of the concentrations of microplastics carried by the atmosphere (spatial distribution of particles from several study sites)

Sampling around Mont-Blanc

Symbol of the Alps, the Mont-Blanc massif extends over France, Switzerland and Italy.

Composed of multiple glaciers exposed to atmospheric deposition, the analysis of differences in spatial contamination will allow a better understanding of the mechanisms of transfer and accumulation of these particles in ecosystems.

Different samples were taken from the outlets of the glaciers, at the foot of the massif, in France, Switzerland and Italy.

Photo credit : Zimy Da Kid
Photo credit : Bertrand Delapierre

SAMPLE COLLECTION AT THE MONT-BLANC SUMMIT

In addition to samples taken from glaciers, samples were taken at the top of Mont-Blanc.

INTERESTS FOR THE TERRITORY

Completing scientific knowledge concerning meltwater from glaciers.

Communication

Waste collection campaigns will be carried out by the Summit Foundation as part of the clean-up tours.
Clean Mont Blanc will be the subject of a documentary directed by Dorothée Adam and produced by LucienTV.

Partners

The project is funded by many partners and supported by a multitude of local actors.
See all partners