Heat is on

Introduction

Rise in concentration of zinc and other metals in the Rocky Mountain watershed is an ecological concern. A fourfold increase has been observed in dissolved zinc over the past 30 years. A study says this is happening due to temperature rise since 1980s. High temperature melts the ice and accelerates mineral weathering.

The pyrites and sulfides from the weathered rocks react with water to form sulfuric acid, a phenomenon known as acid rock drainage. The acid leaches metals from rocks and carries them into streams. These metals adversely effect water resources, fisheries and stream ecosystems. 

Source

Down to Earth October, 2012