The Nazi ship that continues to pollute the sea

When did it sink? During the Second World War. However, 80 years ago it damaged the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. What is it about? The Nazi ship that continues to pollute the sea.

These substances include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs. These include coal, crude oil and gasoline. Also some heavy metals such as nickel and copper and various explosive compounds.

The Nazi ship that continues to pollute the sea was studied in detail.
Nazi vessel still polluting the sea was studied in detail.

Metals and fuels

The finding was described in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science. It would not be the only one, the scientists indicate. Other war wrecks from that war may pose a similar risk to the marine environment.

A team of scientists, led by Maarten De Rijcke of the Flanders Marine Institute (Belgium), tested the site. They analyzed whether old shipwrecks still affect the microbial and marine sediment communities. Because of its greater accessibility they chose the ship V-1302 John Mahn. It was a German fishing trawler converted into a patrol boat by the former German navy. It now lies on the seabed off the Belgian North Sea coast.

Experts took samples from the steel hull of the Nazi ship. Also from the sediment around it. They found high concentrations of metals and PAH. “Heavy metals can come from several sources. The metal structure inside the wreck can be a source of metal ions. Also fuel (coal), paint and lubricants,” De Rijcke told LiveScience.

The wreck is at a depth of 35 meters.
The remains are at a depth of 35 meters.

Life around

Meanwhile, “PAHs and explosives are more clearly linked to the loading of fossil fuels and munitions.” “Shipwrecks arouse interest because of their historical value. But we overlook the environmental impact.” The potential damage from World War I and World War II shipwrecks was estimated. It would be between 2.5 million and 20.4 million tons of petroleum products.

Other chemicals that were hazardous, after 80 years are now harmless. Microorganisms have also grown around shipwrecks. They adapted to live near the ship and some even used it as food.

“Some bacteria are benefiting from certain chemicals as a resource,” they argue. At least for them, the Nazi ship that continues to pollute the sea is not a problem.

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