Mercury pollution threat uncovered in Antarctica's wildlife
Research conducted by Rutgers University on seemingly untouched polar regions has uncovered the presence of mercury pollution, posing a significant threat to ecosystems. A notable amount was detected in the remote areas of Antarctica.
Scientists from Rutgers University-New Brunswick discovered that mercury pollution affects even the distant regions of Antarctica. "The mercury situation is similar to the pesticide DDT [a chemical previously used as an insecticide - ed. note]," stated 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 team studied mercury levels in penguins residing on the Antarctic Peninsula.
What are the sources of mercury in Antarctica?
Mercury, a hazardous neurotoxin, accumulates in food chains. Animals that feed on fish are at greater risk of contamination. Chronic exposure affects animal reproduction and can lead to neurological issues such as lethargy and weakness. In large quantities, 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 a higher exposure to mercury," commented Reinfelder for the "SciTechDaily" service. He added that while there are no human sources near the Southern Ocean, mercury can accumulate in penguins due to long-distance atmospheric transport.
The level of mercury in penguin organisms varies by species
Studies have shown that penguins such as Adélie (white-eyed) and chinstrap differ in the levels of mercury in their bodies. Analyses indicate that chinstrap penguins have significantly higher mercury concentrations than other species. "These data give us a means to learn not just about mercury accumulation but also about the ecology of penguins," added Reinfelder. These differences arise from their foraging and migration patterns.
Efforts to reduce mercury pollution, such as the Minamata Convention, have helped decrease mercury emissions into the atmosphere. However, other sources, such as small-scale gold mining, continue to introduce mercury into the environment. "Much like DDT in the 1960s, today’s scientific community is focused on monitoring mercury," added the study's co-author.
