Scientists have linked a lithium battery plant fire in California earlier this month to a surge in heavy metals found in nearby soil.

Elevated concentrations of heavy metals have been detected at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve by scientists following a recent fire at Vistra Moss Landing Power Plant and Energy Storage Facility.

Less than two weeks after a huge fire in Moss Landing at one of the world’s largest battery storage plants, scientists affiliated with San Jose State University have discovered unusually high levels of toxic metals in soils at Elkhorn Slough,