Metal Mobilization from Thawing Permafrost Is an Emergent Risk to Water Resources

Section 1: Publication

Publication Type

Authorship

Skierszkan, E. K., Dockrey, J. W., and Lindsay, B. J.

Title

Metal Mobilization from Thawing Permafrost Is an Emergent Risk to Water Resources

Year

2024

Publication Outlet

ACS EST Water 2025, 5, 1, 20–32

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.4c00789

ISBN

ISSN

Citation

Abstract

Metals are ubiquitous in Earth’s Critical Zone and play key roles in ecosystem function, human health, and water security. They are essential nutrients at low concentrations, yet some metals are toxic at a high dose. Permafrost thaw substantially alters all the physical and chemical processes governing metal mobility, including water movement and solute transport and (bio)geochemical interactions involving water, organic matter, minerals, and microbes. The outcomes of these interconnected changes are nonintuitive yet hold global implications for water resources and ecosystem health. This Perspective outlines the primary factors affecting metal mobility in thawing permafrost and underscores the urgent need and priorities for interdisciplinary research to better understand this emerging issue.

Plain Language Summary

Section 2: Additional Information

Program Affiliations

GWF: Global Water Futures

GWFO: Global Water Futures Observatories

Project Affiliations

GWF-Geogenic Contamination of Groundwater Resources in Subarctic Regions

Submitters

Name	Role	Email	Institution

Publication Stage

Theme

Presentation Format

Additional Information