Atlantic Ocean radioactive waste drums found corroding and leaking

Scientific expeditions have revealed that over 200,000 metal drums containing more than 150,000 tons of radioactive waste, dumped in the Atlantic Ocean between 1949 and 1982, are severely corroding and leaking.

Researchers from the French National Centre for Scientific Research, including nuclear engineer Patrick Chardon and marine geologist Javier Escartin, used autonomous submersibles and the manned submersible ‘Nautile’ to map and inspect the site at depths of up to 4,700 meters. The investigation confirmed the presence of radioactive material in the surrounding environment, including radionuclides such as cesium-137, plutonium isotopes, and tritium.

While the waste was originally considered ‘low-level’ and intended to decay safely in the deep sea, the structural failure of the containers poses environmental risks. Interestingly, the researchers also observed that the containers have become artificial oases, supporting localized marine life despite the hazardous surroundings.