Mass extinction 252 million years ago was caused by a 'toxic soup'

Earth experienced its worst mass extinction about 252 million years ago that was caused by a 'toxic soup' - and scientists warn humans today are 'following this same recipe.'

The deadly concoction was a mix of accelerated greenhouse gas emissions, high temperatures and abundant nutrients, but the new study now identifies toxic microbial blooms as a fourth culprit.

A team at the University of Connecticut found the three 'ingredients' led to a rise in microscopic algae and cyanobacteria that inhibited the recovery of freshwater ecosystems 'for perhaps millions of years.'

This is because blooms deplete free oxygen and release toxins into the water that would typically feed vegetation, soil and wildlife.

Researchers say there is 'a lot of parallels to today' with the increase in temperature at the end of the Permian coincided with massive increases in forest fires, which is currently happening in California.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/mass-extinction-252-million-years-ago-was-caused-by-a-toxic-soup/ar-AAOyAXA