Mercury contamination threatens Antarctic penguins' survival
Research by Rutgers University on seemingly pristine polar areas reveals the presence of mercury pollution, posing a serious threat to ecosystems. A significant amount was observed in remote areas of Antarctica.
Scientists from Rutgers University-New Brunswick discovered that mercury pollution affects even the remote regions of Antarctica. "The mercury situation is analogous to the pesticide DDT [previously used as an insecticide - ed. note]," said John Reinfelder, a professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences and co-author of a study published in "Science of the Total Environment". His scientific team studied mercury levels in penguins inhabiting the Antarctic Peninsula.
What are the sources of mercury in Antarctica?
Mercury, being a dangerous neurotoxin, accumulates in food chains. Animals feeding on fish are most at risk of contamination. Chronic exposure affects animal reproduction and can cause neurological problems such as lethargy and weakness. In large doses, it is fatal.
Researchers from Rutgers, including John Reinfelder and Philip Sontag, analyzed penguin feathers collected near Anvers Island. "Before this study, we did not know that penguins migrating further north have higher exposure to mercury," commented Reinfelder for the "SciTechDaily" service. He added that there are no human sources near the Southern Ocean. However, due to long-distance transport through the atmosphere, mercury has the potential to accumulate in penguins.
The level of mercury in the organisms of penguins varies by species
Studies have shown that penguins such as Adélie (white-eyed) and chinstrap differ in the level of mercury in their bodies. Analyses indicate that chinstrap penguins have significantly higher mercury concentrations than other species. "These data give us a way to learn not only about mercury accumulation but also about the ecology of penguins," added Reinfelder. These differences result from their foraging and migration patterns.
Efforts to reduce mercury pollution, such as the Minamata Convention, have contributed to reducing mercury emissions into the atmosphere. However, other sources, such as small-scale gold mining, continue to introduce mercury into the environment. "Similar to DDT in the 1960s, the scientific community today is focused on monitoring mercury," added the study's co-author.
