Are Penguins in Peril? How Mercury Pollution is Taking Its Toll

The post Are Penguins in Peril? How Mercury Pollution is Taking Its Toll appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Awareness surrounding mercury pollution and its effects on both wildlife and humans is spreading. Recent studies suggest mercury pollution to be more widespread than first anticipated, particularly in regions where mercurial byproducts are rarely found. 

The Polar regions are experiencing higher levels of mercury pollution than ever before, but how do scientists know this? One humble creature is pointing research in the right direction: the penguin. 

This is the state of mercury pollution in the Antarctic and beyond, as well as all of the ways this heavy metal is affecting penguin populations.

Mercury Pollution in the Antarctic Peninsula: Penguins in Peril

Research surrounding mercury pollution in penguins began in 2010. Mercury is a well-known byproduct of many industrial mining ventures, including gold processing. This dangerous metal invades water-based ecosystems with ease, binding to kelp and other lower levels of the food chain.

The result? Mercury accumulates in the atmosphere and in creatures of all shapes and sizes. Fish that consume mercury-laden kelp are then consumed by larger animals such as penguins. Even humans are aware of the potential for mercury in their basic cans of tuna.

However, the Antarctic Peninsula and Polar regions were not considered hotbeds for mercurial activity given their remote locations away from human interference. Gold mining and other metal-related industries are steadily spreading throughout the Southern Hemisphere, leading to an influx of mercury byproducts in our waters.

How Mercury was Discovered in the Polar Regions

Investigators from the Polar Oceans Research Group collected multiple feather samples from various penguin species, particularly chinstrap, Adelie, and gentoo penguins. This research was reminiscent of DDT studies performed in the 1960s. This toxic chemical was found in remote regions, miles away from where it was being utilized.

The same is true for mercury in the delicate Polar regions. Upon testing the molted penguin feathers, scientists discovered mercury within the samples. Not only was this research valuable, but it also illuminated where mercury is more prevalent within Antarctic waters.

Further study revealed that penguins foraging in northern environments had higher levels of mercury compared to penguins in the south. This led scientists to presume there are more potent concentrations of mercury in warmer, northern waters.

How is Mercury Affecting Penguin Populations?

Mercury exposure in penguins varies depending on location and species. However, this toxic chemical can have many side effects. Despite some penguin species utilizing unique detoxification pathways within their bodies to purge or alter mercury’s harsh effects, there are still risks.

Penguins of all types are at risk if exposed to high levels of mercury. The toxin can be passed from mother to chick and may greatly inhibit fetal development. Mercury can also cause neurological issues such as impaired cognition, lethargy, muscle weakness, and confusion. Long-term mercury exposure can cause cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immune system issues.

While some penguins have detoxification abilities, the same is not true for all species. Certain types of penguins have much higher levels of mercury due to where they feed and a lesser ability to purge the chemical from their bodies.

Penguin Species Affected By Mercury Pollution

Given that all penguin species consume fish and spend much of their lives in the water, nearly all types have mercury pollution present within them. These are the species of penguins that have been studied significantly for mercury:

• Gentoo
• Adelie
• Chinstrap 
• Emperor
• Rockhopper
• King
• Macaroni

Other Species Coping with the Consequences of Mercury Pollution

It isn’t just penguins affected by long-term mercury exposure. Given that this toxin becomes integrated into an ecosystem at the most basic levels, many species may suffer the consequences. Mercury exists in the atmosphere and bioaccumulates in plants such as kelp or seaweed.

Fish-eating animals are most at risk of mercury poisoning and contamination. Regardless of where these animals are located, consuming fish leads to the spread of mercury. The larger the fish, the larger the mercurial load, most studies suggest. That’s why many mid-tier animals and apex predators face mercury exposure daily.

Some of the most common animals (besides penguins) to consume mercury include:

• Ospreys
• Otters
• Sharks
• Seals
• Some whale species
• Seabirds

What is Being Done to Help Mercury-Exposed Penguins

While awareness of mercury is spreading, little is being done to help prevent it at this time. However, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a worldwide meeting dedicated to discussing mercurial pollution, took place in 2013 and offered a starting point to dealing with the issue. This convention concluded with 140 countries agreeing to lower their emissions and, therefore, the overall atmospheric levels of mercury. While the Minamata Convention aimed to reduce mercury emissions, comprehensive data on its effectiveness in reducing global mercury levels is still being evaluated.

Thankfully, scientists agree that penguins aren’t in any immediate or severe danger due to mercury pollution. While the effects of mercury over long periods may alter the basic behaviors of some penguin species, nature finds a way to adapt. 

Penguins aren’t at risk of extinction because of mercury pollution, but human beings should still do their part in making the planet inhabitable for all species.

The post Are Penguins in Peril? How Mercury Pollution is Taking Its Toll appeared first on A-Z Animals.