The Yukon River in Alaska may carry more than just water as it flows through the state and empties into the Bering Sea. A research team from California has found evidence that melting permafrost, caused by climate change, releases mercury deposits into this important freshwater system.
The release of the metal, long stored in the permafrost, now presents an environmental and public health hazard to about 5 million people living in the Arctic zone, according to a study published on Thursday in Environmental Research Letters.
The researchers noted that over 3 million individuals reside in areas where permafrost is expected to disappear entirely. Co-author Josh West, a professor of Earth sciences and environmental studies at the University of Southern California, stated, “There could be this giant mercury bomb in the Arctic waiting to explode.”
“Earth’s natural atmospheric circulation efficiently transports pollutants to higher latitudes, leading to a significant northward buildup of mercury. This mercury then effectively moves from the air to the ground and water,” West explained.
“A significant amount of mercury pollution makes its way into the Arctic,” he stated. “The permafrost contains so much mercury that it could exceed the amount found in the oceans, soils, atmosphere, and biosphere combined.”
When Arctic plants absorb mercury, they eventually die and become part of the soil. As the soil begins to thaw, it releases highly concentrated mercury into the environment.
The researchers chose to delve deeper into riverbank and sandbar sediments instead of relying on traditional methods, which involve sampling cores from the top 10 feet of permafrost to assess mercury levels.
Isabel Smith, the lead author and a doctoral candidate at USC Dornsife emphasized that the river can swiftly mobilize substantial quantities of mercury-containing sediment.
The researchers affirmed that the levels they detected aligned with past estimates, solidifying this new measurement technique’s potential as a reliable mercury content gauge.
“The authors noted that the risks of mercury exposure are expected to increase over time, primarily affecting fish and game consumption.
Additionally, the study pointed out that mercury deposits may fluctuate as the river mobilizes mercury-laced sediments and then redeposits them onto sandbars and beaches.”
“Decades of exposure, especially with increasing levels as more mercury is released, could take a huge toll on the environment and the health of those living in these areas,” Smith said.
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Matthew 24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
Matthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and diseases; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
2 Chronicles 7:13 If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send diseases among my people;
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attend unto the prayer that is made in this place.
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