Context:
Recently, scientists studied the levels of toxic mercury levels in Antarctic seals and whales.
Key Findings of the study:
- Mercury was previously observed in the feathers of birds like chinstrap penguins on King George Island.
- Mercury is believed to reach the ocean through rivers or rain, after it evaporates into air.
- Every year almost 9,000 tons of the toxic substance is released into the atmosphere.
- Pollution appears to extend south to Livingston Island and the Gerlache Strait, a natural channel off Antarctica.
Mercury:
- Toxic heavy metal
- Also known as quick silver
- Sources –
- Artisanal mining (collect gold by binding to mercury)
- Coal combustion
- Present in products like batteries, some lightbulbs and even mascara
- Vulnerability –
- Top of food chain marine mammals are affected.
- Humpback whales consuming large quantities of krill, small crustaceans etc.
- Leopard seal –one of the largest predators in Antarctica after the orca.
- Impacts –
- According to UNEP, Animal consuming mercury suffers from reproductive failure, behavioural changes and can be lead to death.
- Mitigation methods – UNEP Global Mercury Partenership, Antarctic Treaty and the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals.
UNEP Global Mercury Partnership:
- Initiated in – 2005
- Aim – To protect human health and the environment from the releases of mercury to air, water and land.
- It supports for timely and effective implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury
The Antarctic Treaty:
- The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington (1959)
- Signed by – The 12 nations – Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States and USSR
- The Treaty now has 52 signatories.
- India became a member of this treaty in 1983.
- Headquarters – Argentina.
- The Treaty, applies to the area south of 60° South latitude.
The Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals:
- Part of the Antarctic Treaty System
- Signed in – 1972
- Signed at – The conclusion of a multilateral conference in London
Read more about: Minamata Convention
Source: Hindustan Times
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements regarding mercury pollution:
1. Gold mining activity is a source of mercury pollution in the world.
2. Coal-based thermal power plants cause mercury pollution.
3. There is no known safe level of exposure to mercury.
How many of the above statements are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)
