Arctic thaw unleashes mining-like pollution across hundreds of Arctic waterways

By Andrea Lawson – Phys.org

Thawing permafrost is rapidly transforming dozens of Arctic streams into acidic, metal-laden waterways, according to new research published in Science. The study shows how thawing permafrost exposes sulfide minerals that react with oxygen and water—a process similar to what occurs in mining pollution. The reactions release acidity and heavy metals such as zinc, nickel, cadmium, and aluminum into surrounding waters.

These findings draw on decades of careful observation in one of the most remote regions on Earth.