Kakhovka dam attack exposed ‘toxic time bomb’ of heavy metal pollution

The destruction of the Kakhovka dam in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine in 2023 exposed large quantities of heavy metals that pose a ‘largely overlooked’ threat to surrounding ecosystems. Researchers who analysed pollution associated with the dam’s destruction say that the protection of dams in military zones should be a priority concern given the potential long-term impact on both people and the environment.