Scientists warn of “mercury bomb” in the Arctic: Melting permafrost releases toxic mercury

Scientists have uncovered alarming findings about melting permafrost in the Arctic releasing toxic mercury into water systems. This contamination could disrupt the region's food chain and pose significant risks to local communities that rely on fish and wildlife, according to researchers at the University of Southern California (USC).

As the Yukon River heads west toward the Bering Sea, it carries hazardous materials due to the erosion of permafrost along its path. This process is dumping mercury-containing sediments into the water, according to a study published Thursday in Environmental Research Letters. The scientists found that the mercury has likely been trapped in the permafrost for thousands of years.

“There could be a giant mercury bomb lurking in the Arctic, just waiting to explode,” warns Josh West, a professor of geosciences at USC. The river's changing flow is rapidly eroding sediment and releasing large amounts of mercury into the ecosystem.

Long-term impacts on health and the environment
While the immediate threat to drinking water is minimal, research warns of a cumulative danger. As mercury builds up the food chain via fish and wildlife, Arctic communities could face serious health consequences. “Decades of exposure, especially with rising levels, could have enormous environmental and human health impacts,” said Isabel Smith.

With over five million people living in the Arctic region, the potential impacts of this toxic release could escalate over time, raising concerns about the future of both the ecosystem and human life.
The Arctic is melting faster than expected, causing rising sea levels and longer days. Recent studies show that the Greenland ice sheet is unstable, threatening 400 million people with flooding.

(With contributions from agencies)