The consequences of climate change in Alaska are visible through rivers and streams turning rusty orange, threatening the local biota. A study published in Communications Earth & Environment revealed that the changing color is a result of minerals reaching the water when the permafrost melts. Researchers from the University of California, Davis Campus, along with other organizations, documented and sampled affected rivers in northern Alaska, with 75 different sites being included in the study.
The orange rivers are a concerning issue in Alaska, where the arctic region is warming at an alarming rate compared to the rest of the world. The contaminated water poses risks to drinking water quality and fish habitats. Jon O’Donnell, an ecology researcher with the National Park Service, highlighted the toxic nature of the orange rivers and their impact on fish migration patterns to spawning grounds.
The phenomenon of rivers turning orange was first observed in 2018 in the Brooks Range in northern Alaska, where pale orange hues appeared in waters that were previously clear. Within a year, two local fish species had disappeared from the tributary of the Akillik River, signaling a significant impact on the aquatic ecosystem. Brett Poulin, an Assistant Professor of Environmental Toxicology at the University of California, emphasized the decline in benthic animals and microbial communities at the bottom of affected streams, which are crucial components of the food web.
The study sheds light on the urgent need to address the environmental changes happening in Alaska and their detrimental effects on the ecosystem. With climate change accelerating in the region, it is crucial to monitor and mitigate the impacts to protect the local wildlife and water sources.