Thawing Permafrost May Release Mercury in The Yukon River

A new study is warning about significant stores of mercury that could be released into the environment as permafrost thaws, CBC News reports.

The mercury is stored in sediment along the Yukon River's banks in Canada, and as the permafrost that holds that sediment in place thaws, it is threatening to release thousands of years' worth of mercury into one of the North's biggest waterways. 

Previous research has determined Northern Hemisphere permafrost contains the world's largest reservoir of mercury. Now, researchers are looking to better understand the extent of the risk.

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