Huge reserves of toxic mercury found hidden in permafrost
A US-based study has revealed that Northern Hemisphere's permafrost, the ground which remains below 0Â°C for at least 2 years, is the largest reservoir of mercury on the planet. It stores nearly twice as much mercury as all other soils, oceans, and atmosphere combined. Scientists fear permafrost's melting could release large amounts of toxic metal that could affect global ecosystems.