Ever wondered how human activity on land can come back to bite life in the sea? 🌊 A fresh study in Nature Sustainability reveals that mercury trapped in continental shelf sediments is being released faster than ever, thanks to climate change and our own footprint.
Led by researchers from Peking University in the Chinese mainland, alongside experts from the United States, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, the team dived deep into ocean floor chemistry. They found that warming waters and human disturbances – like dredging, trawling and coastal development – shake up these sediments, unleashing mercury into the water.
Mercury is a silent villain. In tiny doses, it can build up in fish and shellfish, eventually reaching our plates. High levels of mercury exposure can harm the nervous system, especially in young children and pregnant people. 😟
The study warns that as climate change heats up the planet and human activities along coastlines ramp up, we may see mercury levels in marine life climb, posing risks to ecosystems and communities that depend on seafood. This could be a wake-up call for policymakers, businesses and all of us to rethink how we interact with our coasts.
Protecting ocean health isn't just about saving coral reefs or preventing oil spills. It's also about keeping hidden toxins locked away where they belong. As the planet warms and we continue to reshape our coastlines, it's time to pay attention to the quiet threats lurking beneath the waves. 🌍💙
Reference(s):
Scientists warn of mercury threat in ocean due to human activity
cgtn.com
