Unprecedented Mapping of Radioactive Barrels in the North Atlantic

Mapping Radioactive Waste in the North Atlantic – NODSSUM Mission

The NODSSUM mission is progressing in mapping radioactive waste in the Atlantic. Recently, an international team located 3,350 barrels submerged more than 4,000 meters deep.

This radioactive waste rests in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. It dates back to the period between 1946 and 1993. The mission took place aboard the research vessel L’Atalante as part of the NODSSUM project. This project brings together researchers from CNRS, IRD, as well as institutions from Norway, Germany, and Canada.

To explore this area about 1,000 km southwest of Brest, the autonomous robot Ulyx performed 16 dives. It captured images showing barrels in various states. Some show signs of corrosion, others are colonized by sea anemones. Scientists sometimes observe possible leaks of the bitumen that contains the waste.

So far, measurements have not detected radioactivity above natural background levels. However, researchers continue analyzing water, sediments, and local fauna. It should be noted that more than 200,000 barrels were dumped in this region in the 20th century. At the time, this disposal method was considered acceptable for managing nuclear waste.

Furthermore, a new exploration campaign is planned for 2026. During this mission, scientists plan to sample the barrels and the organisms that colonize them. Their goal is to better understand the barrels’ condition and environmental impact.

Monitoring radioactive waste in the Atlantic is essential to protect the marine environment. To learn more about its management, visit our page dedicated to radioactive waste management.

For more information, also see the official RADIOCEAN mission website, the CNRS press release, and the official mission photo gallery.

If you have any questions, please send them to us. We will respond as soon as possible.
Contact Us