Researchers at San José State University discovered alarmingly high levels of heavy metals, specifically nickel, manganese, and cobalt, in the soil of Elkhorn Slough Reserve after a fire at a nearby lithium ion battery storage facility. These metals, essential in battery production, were found at concentrations much higher than previous measurements, alarming scientists and local officials. The elevated toxicity poses a significant risk to the delicate ecosystem of the slough, which is vital for carbon sequestration and coastal protection. Concerns mount over the long-term environmental impact of the fire's aftermath.
"The concentration of nickel, manganese and cobalt measured on the surface of the soil is hundreds to thousands of times as much as the levels in the surface soil prior to the fire."
"I was wondering whether there was anything associated with this fire that could have been impacted, I didn't know I was going find such a high concentration of those metals."
"The toxic metals threaten to upset the delicate ecosystem at the Elkhorn Slough, which is the state's second-largest estuary and plays a key role in sequestering carbon emissions."
"Monterey County Supervisor Glenn Church called the findings extremely disturbing and said he was worried about what future data would reveal regarding the consequences of the unprecedented blaze."
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