75 Alaskan Streams Recently Turned Orange Due To Toxic Chemicals

Researchers have recently observed that 75 streams in Alaska’s remote Brooks Range have turned from clear to orange over the past decade. A study was recently conducted on what might be causing this strange phenomenon. The findings say this change in water color suggests increased iron and toxic metal concentrations in the water. The likely cause is increased snowfall in the region and thawing permafrost, which alters the water systems and chemical processes in these Arctic waterways. The effects of this are wide-ranging, from harming fish and aquatic life to potentially harming humans due to drinking water contamination.

Research Team

The research team, led by Jonathan O’Donnell from the National Park Service, investigated the causes and consequences of this trend. They used a combination of remote sensing, field observations, and water sample analysis.

Tools Used

Through the analysis of satellite imagery spanning the last 30 years, the researchers determined that the streams changed color within the past 5-10 years. This period aligns with significant warming and increased snowfall in the area. Their study has been published in Communications Earth & Environment.

“Milky Orange Juice”

An ecologist for the NPS’ Arctic Inventory and Monitoring Network, says, “The more we flew around, we started noticing more and more orange rivers and streams. There are certain sites that look almost like a milky orange juice.”

Geochemical Changes

Orange streams showed significant geochemical changes compared to clear streams. They had lower pH, higher turbidity, and elevated levels of sulfate, iron, and trace metals. These changes are attributed to sulfide mineral weathering. The study confirmed that permafrost thaw plays a critical role in these alterations.

Drinking Water

The findings have significant implications for drinking water supplies. Rural communities relying on these streams face potential health risks.

Water Samples

Although the tested water samples did not exceed U.S. EPA drinking water standards for arsenic and lead, they did show elevated levels of cadmium, nickel, and manganese. These concentrations surpassed recommended safety limits, raising concerns about the safety of these essential water sources.

Biological Impact

The changes in water chemistry have adverse effects on aquatic life. The discoloration led to a dramatic decline in macroinvertebrate diversity and fish abundance. This impacts local ecosystems and subsistence fisheries. 

Regional Observations

Orange streams were observed across much of northern Alaska. They spanned traditional territories of Alaska Native peoples and public lands. The distribution covered nearly 1,000 km. This wide range indicates a substantial environmental change.

Community Involvement

Local and Indigenous communities contributed to the observations. Their insights were valuable for identifying and understanding the changes. The study demonstrated the importance of community engagement. Collaborative efforts are essential for addressing environmental challenges.

Seen From Space

Brett Poulin is an assistant professor of environmental toxicology at UC Davis. He said, “The stained rivers are so big we can see them from space. These have to be stained a lot to pick them up from space.”

Permafrost Thawing To Continue

O’Donnell says, “There’s a lot of implications. As the climate continues to warm, we would expect permafrost to continue to thaw and so wherever there are these types of minerals, there’s potential for streams to be turning orange and becoming degraded in terms of water quality. I think there will be a lot more detailed work to follow up to address some of the uncertainties that we currently have.”

Conclusion

The study of the Brooks Range streams reveals significant environmental changes due to permafrost thaw. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring and effective mitigation strategies to protect these vital water sources and the local ecosystems.

Tyson Dumped 371 Million Pounds Of Toxic Chemicals Into The Environment; Half In Three States

Tyson Dumped 371 Million Pounds Of Toxic Chemicals Into The Environment; Half In Three States