Toxic trace elements such as lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium occur naturally in small quantities in coastal seas. However, human activities such as industry and agriculture contribute significantly larger amounts. A new study has examined how climate change is already affecting the distribution and accumulation of these elements, and how it might do so in the future. One of the findings: Climate-related natural events are releasing more pollutants that pose a risk to human and animal health. However, there is still insufficient knowledge about how these contaminants will behave in the future. READ FULL ARTICLE