Scientists warn of 'Mercury bomb' in Arctic: Melting permafrost poses severe environmental risk

Scientists found toxic mercury being released into Arctic water systems due to melting permafrost. Researchers studying sediment in Alaska's Yukon River discovered that eroding permafrost is contributing mercury-laden sediments to the river. This poses long-term environmental and health threats to Arctic communities reliant on hunting and fishing, as mercury accumulates in the food chain over time.