The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) and the Institute of Earth Sciences have detected volcanic compounds in 40% of rainwater examples in East Iceland. This means that the rain has become acid due to sulfur dioxide pollution from the eruption in Holuhraun.
One early visible effect, Árni Stefánsson, a geochemistry professor at the University of Iceland, told Vísir is that inhabitants in East Iceland have seen new zinc coated corrugated iron roofs rust this winter.
Of more concern though is that sulfur dioxide, fluorine, and heavy metals from the eruption are accumulating in the snow in the area and could mix into drinking water when the snow begins to thaw.
During a public information meeting, held by the Icelandic Civil Protection, this week in Reyðarfjörður town inhabitants were informed that the situation is being closely monitored.
Read more: Life threatening gas emissions at the eruption site
Read more: Volcanic gases released in the Holuhraun eruption raising concerns
According to the Icelandic Met office the eruption in Holuhraun now produces approximately 20 thousand tonnes of sulfur dioxide gas per day compared to 30 to 40 thousand tonnes at the earlier stages of the eruption.
The Icelandic Met Office (IMO) and the Institute of Earth Sciences have detected volcanic compounds in 40% of rainwater examples in East Iceland. This means that the rain has become acid due to sulfur dioxide pollution from the eruption in Holuhraun.
One early visible effect, Árni Stefánsson, a geochemistry professor at the University of Iceland, told Vísir is that inhabitants in East Iceland have seen new zinc coated corrugated iron roofs rust this winter.
Of more concern though is that sulfur dioxide, fluorine, and heavy metals from the eruption are accumulating in the snow in the area and could mix into drinking water when the snow begins to thaw.
During a public information meeting, held by the Icelandic Civil Protection, this week in Reyðarfjörður town inhabitants were informed that the situation is being closely monitored.
Read more: Life threatening gas emissions at the eruption site
Read more: Volcanic gases released in the Holuhraun eruption raising concerns
According to the Icelandic Met office the eruption in Holuhraun now produces approximately 20 thousand tonnes of sulfur dioxide gas per day compared to 30 to 40 thousand tonnes at the earlier stages of the eruption.
