During the period 1946-1990, more than 200,000 containers loaded with radioactive waste were intentionally sunk in the deep domains of the Atlantic Ocean by various European nations.
These sealed containers made of cement or tar ended up in the abyssal plains of the Northeast Atlantic, approximately 600 kilometers from the coasts of Nantes, France, resting on the seabed at depths exceeding 4,000 meters.
NODSSUM: a scientific exploration to assess the impact
This summer, experts from multiple disciplines, under the guidance of the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), together with the French Institute for Research and Exploration of the Sea (Ifremer) and the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR), will embark on a month-long expedition to identify and examine the condition of these submerged radioactive containers.
Mission stages and methodology used
Starting on June 15, specialists will begin mapping 6,000 square kilometers of the seabed, using:
- High-precision sonar to scan the underwater topography.
- Autonomous underwater vehicle UlyX, designed to descend beyond 4,000 meters.
Researchers will also collect water, sediment, and marine fauna samples to analyze:
- The presence of radionuclides in the deep ecosystem.
- The potential impact of these nuclear waste on abyssal biodiversity.
Safety protocols and next steps
To ensure the team’s safety, strict radiation protection measures will be implemented on the research vessel, ensuring continuous monitoring of samples from collection to analysis in onshore laboratories.
The collected data will allow for designing a second expedition, focusing on the immediate surroundings of the submerged barrels.
This next effort will include:
- Manned submersibles and remotely operated robots, equipped with mechanical arms to handle the deposits.
- Detailed observation of the barrels and close sample collection to assess their deterioration.
PRIME RADIOCEAN: comprehensive study on the nuclear impact in the marine environment
The NODSSUM mission is part of the PRIME RADIOCEAN program, which aims to:
- Analyze the risks associated with nuclear waste in the ocean.
- Contribute to the development of safer and more sustainable radioactive waste management strategies.
This ambitious project will provide crucial information on the long-term effects of nuclear contamination on marine ecosystems, driving international regulations for the preservation of the oceans.
