Course:CONS200/2023WT2/The Mystery of Orange Rivers in Alaska: Causes, Implications, and Potential Solutions

Introduction

Tukpahlearik Creek in northwestern Alaska's Brooks Range runs bright orange where permafrost is thawing.

Alaska, distinguished by its pristine landscapes, breathtaking nature and abundant wildlife and resources is facing a quite mysterious environmental anomaly, its rivers are changing color. The emergence of orange rivers in Alaska started appearing around 2019, and have been the center of attention ever since. Although we know what is happening, the causes of this issue are still being speculated and research is being conducted. Potential causes such as mining, industrial operations, geological processes and climate change are all in the conversation. Not only is the color of the rivers alarming, but so are the potential ecological impacts of this tainted water. Fish and local ecosystem health are in question following the discovery of this potentially toxic water. Efforts to mitigate and solve the underlying problems of the orange rivers are underway and being developed through the collaboration of local communities and governmental organizations. Addressing this issue may be a crucial element in the conservation and sustainability of Alaska's freshwater systems and ecosystems as a whole.

Background

The science behind the discoloration

As most of us know, lakes are not supposed to be orange. So why is it that lakes in Alaska are turning such colours? The short answer is that the permafrost soils are melting due to global warming; the longer explanation is that the permafrost soils are melting, and their chemical components, such as metal iron (Fe), are being poured into the rivers where those components interact with different environmental conditions that cause oxidation to happen, which makes the rivers orange . Observations have suggested that orange streams tend to have higher iron concentrations, less dissolved oxygen, and more acidic water than nearby clearwater streams, which can cause disruption in the habitat of macroinvertebrates and fishes . This problem is not unique one to this river in Alaska; rather, it is a problem found in many other ones, as more than thirty orange streams and rivers have been identified by scientists throughout Alaska's Arctic national parks and surrounding public areas .

Impacts

The orange river's acidic nature impacts the organisms that live in those rivers. We can see an example of this occurrence In the Akillik River in Kobuk Valley National Park, NPS and USGS scientists found a big decline in the abundance of juvenile Dolly Varden, a common fish species found there; this, in turn, can have huge impacts on predators that depend on these fish for sustenance. Because this is such a new phenomenon, there is not a lot of research that indicates the long-term impacts of such high rates of water acidity, but there are potential issues that may arise if the chemical concentration continues or gets worse. Some consequences include an effect on drinking water quality and fish stock. These two potential threats would have detrimental impacts on Alaska's indigenous communities, which depend on the resources to live.

Current Efforts

The efforts in addressing and finding solutions to the odd phenomenon of orange alaskan rivers are multifaceted and include stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds in environmental, scientific, and regulatory studies.  There are numerous ongoing efforts which are listed and summarized below:

Site Remediation:

One of the primary approaches being used to mitigate the issues stemming from the orange rivers involves remediating contaminated sites with a primary focus in particular on both abandoned or inactive mines. The process of site remediation involves a comprehensive cleanse of potential pollutants and the implementation of measures to reduce the risk of further contamination of nearby water bodies. The process could look like the removal of toxic materials such as heavy metals and other potential pollutants, restoring natural habitats, and stabilizing soil and sediments to prevent risks of erosion and the leaching of contaminants into local rivers. Site remediation projects often require the collaboration between government agencies, environmental organizations and mining companies to identify priority sites and develop effective strategies. The primary stakeholder organization is Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation which oversees the cleanup of sites through the Contaminated Sites Program which includes efforts to remediate mining sites and restore impacted ecosystems.

Wetland Restoration:

Ongoing wetland restoration projects are set to aim to restore degraded wetlands in the areas impacted by mining areas and thus exposed to the risk of the orange rivers. The projects are focused on improving water quality and habitat conditions of wetlands in Alaska. Organizations such as the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and non profits like The Nature Conservancy are actively involved in wetland restoration projects which can include re-establishing native vegetation, enhancing hydrological connectivity of the water systems and restoring the function of natural wetlands.

Improving Mining Practices:

ongoing initiatives are focused on promoting sustainable mining practices to minimize environmental impacts and reduce the release of pollutants into fresh water systems which was the cause of the orange rivers. Mining companies are continuously adopting new technologies and techniques to improve wastewater treatment, reduce energy consumption and minimize the production of waste.

Monitoring and Research:

Ongoing monitoring and research efforts continue to enhance our understanding of the dynamics of orange rivers and assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Organizations such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and academic institutions conduct research to study water quality trends, monitor changes in aquatic ecosystems, and evaluate the impacts of orange river phenomena on freshwater resources. Ongoing monitoring programs provide valuable data to inform management decisions and prioritize conservation efforts.

Community Engagement and Education:

Ongoing efforts focus on engaging local communities and raising awareness about the causes and implications of orange rivers, as well as promoting participation in conservation initiatives. Community-based organizations, environmental education centers, and government agencies organize outreach events, workshops, and educational programs to educate the public about the importance of protecting freshwater resources and encourage sustainable practices. Ongoing community engagement efforts aim to build partnerships, foster collaboration, and empower local communities to take action to address the issue of orange rivers.

Overall, ongoing efforts to address the issue of orange rivers in Alaska involve a combination of site remediation, wetland restoration, improved mining practices, monitoring and research, and community engagement and education. By continuing to implement these solutions and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, it's possible to mitigate the impacts of orange rivers and work towards sustainable management and conservation of freshwater ecosystems in Alaska.

Analysis and Recommendations

Understanding the causes and implications of the rust-coloured water in Alaska is crucial to developing solutions to mitigate the effects of the accumulation of oxidized iron. This phenomenon could be the result of the acid-rock drainage hypothesis, the wetlands hypothesis, or, to a lesser extent, nearby mining operations. Regardless, the root cause of these three potential factors contributing to the discolouration of the water is the thawing of permafrost as a result of human-induced climate change.

The impacts of the accumulation of oxidized iron in rivers and tributaries are severe. Many Indigenous communities rely on the Alaskan rivers for water and fish, but the "rusting" of the rivers makes the water unsafe to drink and causes steep declines in invertebrate and vertebrate abundance and diversity.

Anthropogenic impact

Major mining project distribution throughout Alaska.

The rapid thawing of permafrost, which is at the root of the possible different factors that are causing the rivers in Alaska to turn orange, is a result of anthropogenic climate change. In order to lessen the effects of the thaw as much as possible it is imperative that global policies are implemented to restrict warming to 1.5ºC. In terms of immediate actions that can be taken to mitigate the effects of this phenomenon, some acidic damaged sites can be restored by liming the rivers, and some damaged wetlands can be restored. Sustainable mining practices also need to be implemented and respected.

It is unclear whether the rusting of these waterways is a permanent phenomenon or not. It is possible that if all the permafrost thaws, the rivers and tributaries will flush away all the accumulated toxins and become clear again . However, this would result in an enormous release of carbon dioxide and methane, further contributing to the warming of the planet.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of Alaskan orange rivers present a significant environmental challenge with costly, compromising implications for local ecosystems, wildlife and human communities. These rivers, characterized by their abnormal rust colouration due to the high concentrations of oxidized iron, are largely a consequence of permafrost thaw. The process of which is being accelerated by global climate change. This environmental issue highlights the complex connectivity of climate dynamics and terrestrial ecosystems, emphasizing the broader impacts of anthropogenic activities on nature systems.

Efforts to address and mitigate the causes and effects of orange rivers are indeed multifaceted, involving site remediation, wetland restoration, improved mining practices, rigorous monitoring and research as well as extensive community engagement and education on the topic. These initiatives reflect a collective approach by various community stakeholders, including governmental organizations, academic institutions and local communities, aiming to restore and preserve the integrity of Alaska's freshwater systems.

As research carries on and a deeper comprehension occurs more is understood about both direct and indirect effects of these environmental changes, it becomes alarmingly clear that global efforts are required to address the root causes of climate change. Limiting global warming to 1.5°c, as suggested by numerous climate studies, is becoming critical in slowing the thaw of permafrost and the subsequent ecological and hydrological issues that stem from the topic. In summary, the orange rivers of Alaska serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for environmental stewardship and proactive global climate policies to safeguard our planet's ecosystems for future generations.

References

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