Lakes and ponds aren’t just scenic—they’re dynamic ecosystems. A new study reveals that rising temperatures are extending summer stratification, leading to oxygen loss in deep waters. This triggers the release of elements like arsenic, iron, and manganese from sediments—sometimes increasing levels by up to 5,000x.
EEES researchers found these changes in a South Carolina reservoir once used for nuclear cooling—and they mirror trends worldwide. As lakes warm, they may shift from pollution sinks to pollution sources, posing new threats to water quality and aquatic life.
Monitoring and new management strategies are urgently needed.
You can read more in this in a recent paper. Dr. Fanny Coutelot has more to share on her website.
