Scientists warn of mercury threat in ocean due to human activity

A new international study shows that human activities like bottom trawling and climate change are accelerating the release of toxic mercury from continental shelf sediments—the ocean’s largest mercury reservoir. These shelves store far more mercury than previously thought, but disturbances now release over 5,000 tonnes each year. Warming oceans may worsen the problem, increasing mercury release by up to 21% by 2100. Researchers warn that reactivated “legacy mercury” could re-enter food webs, posing serious health risks. They call for integrated policies on mercury control, fishing, and climate to protect marine ecosystems and human health.

Credit : CGTN