As Glaciers Disappeared, Tons of Microorganism Entered the Environment

Illustration of glaciers. Source: unsplash.com.
  • As many of the glaciers around the world melt due to climate change, scientists warn that significant amounts of bacteria could migrate into the environment.
  • Giant icebergs called glaciers are formed over hundreds or thousands of years. They are melting at an alarming rate that might raise sea levels as the Earth warms.
  • According to Edwards, the quality of the water can be “significantly” impacted by the flow of bacteria into rivers, lakes, fjords, and the ocean.

As many of the glaciers around the world melt due to climate change, scientists warn that significant amounts of bacteria could migrate into the environment. Thousands of bacteria may escape into rivers and lakes, according to scientists, including a virus that is hazardous. 

Researchers from Aberystwyth University in Wales claim that their study highlights the necessity of taking quick action to halt global warming. They investigated meltwater from eight glaciers spread over North America, Europe, and two locations in Greenland. Giant icebergs called glaciers are formed over hundreds or thousands of years. They are melting at an alarming rate that might raise sea levels as the Earth warms.

Based on calculations made by the scientists, the IPCC, a global panel of climate specialists, has established a “moderate” warming scenario. By 2100, this will cause a 2C to 3C increase in average global temperature. According to Edwards, the quality of the water can be “significantly” impacted by the flow of bacteria into rivers, lakes, fjords, and the ocean.

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But once the glaciers totally melt away during the coming decades, that microbial faucet will dry up. There are over 200,000 catchments across the world that get water from glacial melts, and some of them are highly environmentally sensitive due to their deficiency in nutrients and organic carbon.

Dr. Edwards asserts that the water that finally flows from those glaciers is the source of significant economic activity in other places and supports the livelihoods of billions of people. “Although we typically think of glaciers as frozen water storage, this study teaches us that they are actually independent ecosystems. There are countless varieties of bacteria on the glacier’s surface and inside of it, some of which could be dangerous to people. Despite the possibility of a very low risk, it must be carefully considered”.

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More research, according to glaciologist Dr. Tristram Irvine-Fynn, is required. The prediction of “peak water” (lower water availability) from Earth’s mountain glaciers during the ensuing decades, he added, necessitates a greater comprehension of the status and future of ecosystems. He claims that with a clearer image, we can more accurately predict how climate change would affect glacial surfaces and watershed biogeochemistry.

References:

[1] Perubahan iklim: Gletser meleleh, ribuan ton bakteri merebak ke lingkungan

[2] Dampak Mengerikan Perubahan Iklim, Gletser Meleleh dan 100.000 Ton Bakteri Merebak ke Lingkungan hingga 80 Tahun

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