Inside Science reports on grad student’s research on melting glaciers releasing pollutants

The Inside Science article, “Melting glaciers release pollutants frozen decades ago,” focuses on research presented by Kimberley Miner, an earth and climate scientist and graduate student at the University of Maine, at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union in New Orleans. Miner’s analysis suggests that people who live in the shadow of melting glaciers and eat fish from nearby streams may be at risk from toxins banned years ago, according to the article. “If the glaciers were not melting, this would just be stored-away history of human interaction with the environment,” she said. “But as it is, we’re seeing this re-emission because of the increased warming.” Miner said she was surprised by the findings, as she had expected her research to offer reassurance that glacier meltwater was safe. She added that the findings represent a first assessment of the issue and will need to be confirmed through more detailed research. AGU’s The Bridge also published two articles by Miner as part of a series written by students who are reporting on the AGU meeting in New Orleans. The articles are “Using data to inspire: Share science and find the truth in stories” and “Missing voices: Examining scientific integrity in the age of #metoo.”