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Melting permafrost in the Arctic is releasing dangerous amounts of mercury, posing a serious threat to local populations and ecosystems. This issue turned out to be much larger than previously thought. A study conducted by scientists from the University of Southern California, published in the magazine Environmental Research Letters, revealed disturbing facts.
Climate change causes an increase in temperature in the Arctic, which contributes to the melting of large areas of permafrost. When the temperature rises by just one degree Celsius, about 4 million square kilometers of frozen soil melts. This process not only releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, but also releases previously frozen pollutants, particularly heavy metals.
A particular danger is mercury, a toxic metal that accumulates in food chains. Previous studies estimated mercury emissions from melting permafrost at the level of 40 kg per square kilometer. However, new data showed that this figure is twice as high - about 86 kg of mercury per square kilometer.
Mercury bomb of permafrost
According to Professor Josh West, the permafrost of the Arctic contains more mercury than all the planet's soils, oceans and atmosphere combined. He compares this stockpile of mercury to a ticking time bomb, which could have catastrophic consequences in the event of further melting.
Analysis of sediments on the banks of the Koyukuk and Yukon rivers in Alaska has confirmed significant mercury deposits, raising serious concerns about the future of the Arctic region. The disappearance of permafrost endangers about 5 million people living in the Arctic. According to forecasts, by 2050 about 3,3 million people could find themselves in areas where the permafrost will disappear completely, which will lead to the need to resettle local communities.
Consequences for ecosystems and local residents
In addition to direct threats to infrastructure, the melting of permafrost affects the traditional way of life of local residents. In particular, there is already a decline in salmon populations in the Yukon River, which is having a critical impact on fisheries, the main source of food for many indigenous communities.
An additional problem can be the possible contamination of fish with mercury. Scientists cannot yet say for sure whether the mercury is converted into a more toxic form, methylmercury, or whether it gets into the fish consumed by local residents. However, examples of the negative impact of mercury pollution on human health already exist.
The need for further research
Scientists emphasize the need for further study of this problem and the development of measures to reduce the risks associated with the melting of permafrost. Although it is almost impossible to completely stop this process, it is important to minimize its consequences for the ecosystems and people living in the Arctic.
