Review: mountain lakes as freshwater resources at risk from chemical pollution

Abstract Background Chemical pollution forms a severe threat for human and environmental health. While the risks European lowland water bodies are well known, there is little knowledge on remote aquatic ecosystems particularly mountain lakes, despite their importance provision of freshwater. Here, we critically review current exposure risk by chemical lakes present tiered approach how to advance effectively our understanding in future. Results Generally, pollutant monitoring data currently incomplete, with many regions substances having been only poorly investigated. More reliable exist persistent organic pollutants (POPs). However, increasing evidence that even exposed wide range pollutants. Among them potent pesticides used agricultural biocidal applications, such as diazinon permethrin. The follows complex pattern. Pollutants introduced into via atmospheric deposition run-off from watershed, but also local sources, like tourism pastoralism. Our assessment recent biomonitoring studies suggest widespread chronic toxic crustacean ranges. If ranges pastoralism, acute effects possible. Thereby, vulnerability has be expected high due harsh conditions at altitudes, organism’s traits, insular position lower species richness altitudes. Furthermore, biological processes leading degradation under ecological ecosystems. Conclusion sensitivity investigated, existing it very likely do suffer pollution-induced toxicity. To verify this suggestion expand knowledge, necessary future combine more holistic modelling links effects. Only then will possible obtain impact protect these fragile