Antarctic melt releases 6.5 tons of mercury yearly into ocean

Melting Antarctic glaciers are releasing approximately 6.5 tons of mercury annually into the ocean, with emissions from the Antarctic Peninsula surging 550% since preindustrial times, according to a new study. The research, led by Peking University scientist Liu Maodian and published in PNAS, found mercury accumulation in continental shelf sediments is now 160% above preindustrial levels, making the region a critical hotspot in the Southern Ocean. The peninsula is warming at six times the global average, and researchers warn similar mercury releases could occur in high-mountain regions like the Himalayas, though Liu cautioned against overstating risks and said field monitoring is still needed.