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Submerged Munitions Pose Growing Toxic Threat in German Seas
๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡ธ Serbia /Environment & Climate

Submerged Munitions Pose Growing Toxic Threat in German Seas

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Thousands of decades-old bombs and munitions are corroding in the North and Baltic Seas off Germany's coast, releasing toxic chemicals into the marine environment.
  • While the immediate risk to humans from these submerged weapons is low, scientists warn that the pollution is increasing as the metal casings rust.
  • Studies have found toxic compounds like TNT in fish, with some showing liver tumors, indicating the chemicals are entering the food chain and potentially posing a long-term risk.

A silent environmental threat is unfolding beneath the waves off Germany's northern coast, where thousands of decades-old bombs and munitions are slowly corroding. This submerged arsenal, part of an estimated 1.6 million tons of conventional weaponry dumped in the North and Baltic Seas after World War II, is now leaching toxic chemicals into the marine ecosystem.

It is clear that due to the corrosion of these objects, compounds are entering the marine ecosystem and marine life.

โ€” Edmund MaserA toxicologist at Kiel University, Edmund Maser, explained the environmental impact of corroding munitions to DW.

For years, this underwater ordnance was primarily considered an explosive hazard. However, as the metal casings rust away, a different danger has emerged. Toxic compounds, including TNT, are being released into the water. "It is clear that due to the corrosion of these objects, compounds are entering the marine ecosystem and marine life," explained Edmund Maser, a toxicologist at Kiel University, to DW.

The level is low. But it is present.

โ€” Jรถrn SacksJรถrn Sacks from the German Institute for Applied Ecology commented on the consistent presence of toxic compounds near munitions dumping sites.

Research indicates these compounds are toxic and potentially carcinogenic for both humans and marine life. Studies have detected TNT and its metabolic byproducts in flatfish, such as dab. While the quantities found are minuscule, often in nanograms, and not every fish is affected, these compounds are consistently found around munitions dumping sites. "The level is low. But it is present," stated Jรถrn Sacks from the German Institute for Applied Ecology.

What we see are tumors, and these are liver tumors. That surfaces again and again.

โ€” Jรถrn SacksJรถrn Sacks described recurring findings of liver tumors in fish examined as part of the study.

Scientists are observing concerning health effects in marine life. Although fish do not appear acutely ill, researchers like Sacks are repeatedly finding liver tumors. Maser's team has also found these compounds in shellfish, which show biochemical signs of oxidative stress. This stress, caused by reactive oxygen species during TNT metabolism, can damage cells and potentially lead to cancer. The contamination has even reached higher up the food chain, with compounds linked to TNT detected in tissue samples from stranded whales, indicating they have entered the predator food web.

This means that these compounds have reached the predators.

โ€” Edmund MaserEdmund Maser highlighted the extent of the contamination, noting its presence in top predators like whales.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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