Salim Khan

Atmospheric Microplastic Deposition in High-Alpine Snow: Evaluating Background Contamination Versus Local Tourism Sources

Master’s thesis focuses on atmospheric microplastic deposition in high-alpine snow at the Gepatschferner glacier in the Austrian Alps. By combining µ-FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, I investigate the abundance, characteristics, and polymer composition of microplastics deposited from the atmosphere. The study aims to differentiate between long-range atmospheric transport and local inputs associated with winter tourism activities such as skiing and climbing. The results will improve our understanding of microplastic contamination in remote alpine environments and the factors controlling its deposition.

Supervisor: Dr. Collin J. Weber & Prof. Dr. Moritz Bigalke