Research comparing Adirondack mountain lakes in New York suggests foot traffic is significant source of pollution

Hiking shoes and outdoor gear are likely a significant source of microplastic pollution in the wilderness, new research that checked for the pernicious material in several Adirondack mountain lakes in upstate New York suggests.

Researchers measured microplastic levels in two lakes that are the among highest sources of water for the Hudson River – one that sees heavy foot traffic from hikers, and another lake that is far away from a path and rarely touched by human activity.

The samples from the lake that sees heavier foot traffic showed levels that were about 23 times higher.

      • toiletobserver@lemmy.world
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        18 hours ago

        I was on a hike years ago very early in the morning, only one other car at the trail head. On the way up, spotted the only other dude hiking naked except for shoes and a backpack.

        I’m not bothered by the naked as much as the idea of getting mosquito bites on my balls. Fuck that noise.

        • shalafi@lemmy.world
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          12 hours ago

          If you keep moving the mosquitoes won’t catch you, unless you’re somewhere insane like Siberia. Dude like that probably has his balls covered in OFF!.

          Also, funny trick I keep trying, and it works. Hold your breath and walk quickly. They no longer have a lock on your CO2 and will drop back. My lungs are jacked from smoking in my youth, can’t go too far.