Tiger sharks off Brazil’s southern coast are contaminated with tech waste. The predators have ingested significant amounts of rare earth elements, crucial components in cellphones, electric cars, and other modern devices.
This discovery is alarming. It coincides with a global push to mine rare earths from the deep sea. Additionally, electronic waste is increasingly polluting oceans. This is the first time scientists have detected these elements in sharks.
Researchers analyzed 12 tiger sharks caught in 2021-2022. They examined various organs for nine rare earth elements, titanium, and rubidium. All 11 substances were present in every shark.
While immediate lethal effects are unlikely, the long-term consequences are unknown. Importantly, Brazilians consume sharks, including children. This means humans could be ingesting these elements. Humans might be more vulnerable to toxic effects than sharks due to higher fat content.
The problem is escalating. As tech consumption grows, so too will the amount of rare earth elements in the environment. This issue requires urgent attention. The presence of tech contaminants in apex predators like sharks is a stark warning. It highlights the pressing need for responsible management of electronic waste and a cautious approach to deep-sea mining.
Reference- Environmental Pollution, National Geographic, SciecneDirect