{"id":105482,"date":"2025-02-28T02:45:00","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T01:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sonnenseite.com\/?p=105482"},"modified":"2025-02-28T09:16:10","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T08:16:10","slug":"environmental-impact-of-unexploded-ordnance-in-the-baltic-sea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sonnenseite.com\/en\/environment\/environmental-impact-of-unexploded-ordnance-in-the-baltic-sea\/","title":{"rendered":"Environmental Impact of Unexploded Ordnance in the Baltic Sea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The south-western Baltic Sea has about 3,000 kilograms of dissolved toxic chemicals released from unexploded ordnance, according to a new study by the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The substances were detected in almost all water samples taken in 2017 and 2018, with particularly high concentrations in the Bights of Kiel and L\u00fcbeck. The levels are still below thresholds for health risk, but highlight the urgent need for munitions clearance to minimise long-term risks. The study has now been published in the journal Chemosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n

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War relics on the seabed: Rusting old ammunition leaks toxic chemicals into the marine environment. Photo: AUV team<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

It is estimated that around 300,000 tonnes of unexploded ordnance (UXO) remain in the German Baltic Sea. Most of this originates from deliberate dumping after the end of the Second World War. These dumping sites are well documented, with much of the ordnance lying visibly on the seabed, allowing it to be mapped and documented using underwater robots. However, explosive compounds are spreading beyond these dumping sites. As corrosion progresses, contamination is expected to increase, heightening risks if these legacy munitions are not removed. Rising temperatures and increased storm activity due to climate change further accelerate the release of these explosive chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Toxins Found in Almost Every Sample<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new study from the GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel highlights the long-term environmental contamination caused by unexploded ordnance in the south-western Baltic Sea. Water samples were taken from the region in 2017 and 2018, including from the Bay of Kiel and the Bay of L\u00fcbeck. Ammunition-related chemicals were detected in almost every water sample. The concentrations detected were generally well below drinking water limits or toxicological thresholds for marine organisms. In some cases, however, concentrations approached critical levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnexploded ordnance contains toxic substances such as TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene), RDX (1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine), and DNB (1,3-dinitrobenzene), which are released into the seawater when the metal casings corrode,\u201d explains lead author Dr Aaron Beck, a geochemist at GEOMAR. \u201cThese compounds pose a threat to the marine environment and living organisms as they are toxic and carcinogenic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regional Differences in Contamination<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to variations in the types of munitions dumped, regional differences in contamination levels were observed: particularly high concentrations of TNT were measured in the Bay of Kiel, while RDX and DNB were more prevalent in the Bay of L\u00fcbeck. Most munitions-related chemicals were found in dissolved form rather than bound to suspended particles or sediments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The researchers estimated that the current amount of dissolved munitions chemicals in the region is around 3,000 kilograms. Without removal action, the contamination is expected to increase as metal casings continue to corrode, releasing more and more toxic compounds. This process is projected to continue for at least 800 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Global Environmental Issue<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study emphasises that chemical contamination from legacy munitions is an international problem. The researchers recommend that dumped ordnance be classified as \u201chistorical contaminants of emerging concern\u201d and addressing them through targeted remediation efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aaron Beck states: \u201cUnlike diffuse pollution sources, UXO exists in a concentrated, already packaged form. This means it can be physically removed from the environment.\u201d Germany\u2019s munitions clearance operations could serve as a model for the removal of such hazardous waste around the world. \u201cWith war relics, at least one environmental stressor can be permanently eliminated from the marine ecosystem.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n