Scientists are racing to assess threats to marine ecosystems as hazardous debris from recent Los Angeles wildfires risks contaminating coastal waters. The Palisades and Eaton fires burned over 100,000 acres, incinerating homes, vehicles, and industrial materials that left behind toxic ash containing lead, plastics, and asbestos.
Researchers from UCLA and the Scripps Institution warn these pollutants could flow into the Pacific Ocean through storm drains, potentially disrupting fisheries and coastal habitats. Dr. Elena Márquez, a marine biologist involved in water sampling efforts, told myglobalnews.net: \"We're seeing unprecedented chemical loads – this is a wake-up call for urban wildfire preparedness worldwide.\"
Officials report crews are removing 300,000+ tons of debris, while AI mapping tools help predict runoff patterns. The crisis highlights growing climate risks as 60% of coastal megacities globally face similar wildfire-flood交叉 threats, per UN Environment Programme data.
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Scientists race to detect ocean damage sparked by LA wildfires
cgtn.com
