Un paradis al păsărilor a devenit un dezastru ecologic. Peste 60% dintre pui au fost deformați sau morți

The Kesterson Wildlife Refuge in California faced severe ecological disaster due to agricultural drainage, leading to high deformity and mortality rates in aquatic birds. Over 60% of examined embryos and chicks showed deformities or died, primarily due to selenium contamination from irrigation runoff. This issue became prominent in the 1980s, with significant impacts on bird reproduction. Following the recognition of the problem, measures were implemented to control and remediate the area, including filling parts of the reservoir with soil. Intensive monitoring continued for over two decades, showing stable selenium levels and reduced risks for wildlife by 2014.