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Scientists find 200,000 barrels of radioactive waste in the ocean
geekspin • • science
Key Points:
- Over 200,000 barrels of low-level radioactive waste were dumped in the Northeast Atlantic during the latter half of the 20th century, with France alone responsible for more than 46,000 barrels in the 1960s.
- A 2026 French expedition under the NODSSUM project conducted 20 deep dives using the submersible Nautile, revealing that several barrels are severely corroded and leaking radioactive materials into the surrounding seabed.
- On-site measurements detected elevated levels of radionuclides such as cobalt-60 and niobium-94, confirming leakage from the waste containers, while cesium-137 and americium-241 were also present but with less certain origins.
- Marine life, including anemones, sponges, and crabs, has colonized the barrels, which provide rare hard surfaces on the muddy seabed, though it remains unclear if these organisms are absorbing radioactive substances.
- The NODSSUM project’s findings are aiding the OSPAR Convention in updating knowledge about historic radioactive dumping sites, with ongoing lab analyses expected to clarify the extent and form of radionuclide dispersal.
