Scientific development and knowledge have seen an increased level of caution surrounding nuclear materials over the past 100 years. Sadly, one common practice across the 20th century has caused radioactive 'time bombs' to exist and potentially threaten the lives of millions.
Everybody knows how dangerous nuclear energy can be, and it was only made clearer following the horrific disaster at Chernobyl in 1986. Still, it continues to be an important power source for many countries, particularly in the likes of France.
There have been increased precautions surrounding the danger of radiation following analysis into its effects on the human body over the years, yet a major effort carried out for nearly 50 years might just put humanity in danger in the near future.
As reported by the Daily Mail, countless barrels of radioactive waste were dumped into the Atlantic Ocean by a number of European countries between 1946 and 1990, and scientists fear that they could have a harmful effect on human life due to worrying consequences.
How many barrels are there under the sea?
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It is estimated that around 200,000 barrels were dumped into the sea during the 54 years that the practice was active, although recent efforts from scientists are only beginning to scratch the surface of what was dumped.
The barrels themselves contained numerous radioactive materials of varying dangers, and they were sealed with asphalt and concrete before being dropped into trenches around 13,000 ft deep in a location known as the Abyssal Plains.
New efforts from a team of French researchers have attempted to not only map out and count the barrels in the ocean, but also to measure the levels of radiation that might have escaped so far.
Using a combination of sonar and an autonomous underwater robot named UlyX, the scientists have managed to locate 3,355 barrels across a mission into the Abyssal Plains, with a second effort planned for next year that will measure radionuclides in the water, sediments, and marine organisms.
Why are the barrels dangerous?
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While it was once considered a safe way of disposing of nuclear and radioactive materials, scientists are understandably worried that over time these dangerous materials will start to escape from the barrels and into the water.
The primary concern lies in how the radioactive waste could interact with marine life, as seafood could absorb the radiation, which would then potentially pass on to millions of humans when the fish is consumed, causing major health issues.
We won't know the full effects of the radiation that has currently seeped out of the barrels until analysis is completed, but scientists have clarified that the combination of the materials' weak radioactivity and location deep in the ocean could significantly lower the immediate risk to humans. Unfortunately, that will only increase over time.