Scientists document 'advanced state of deterioration' of several radioactive drums in the Atlantic Trench

El MundoIndependent🔒Progressive10 hr. ago

The regional nationalist party BNG has demanded that the Spanish government take urgent action regarding radioactive barrels in the Atlantic Trench, which are leaking and posing environmental risks. The party criticized the central government for its passive stance, contrasting it with France’s active scientific investigation led by the CNRS and Ifremer aboard the research vessel *Pourquoi Pas?*. Between 1950 and 1990, over 200,000 barrels of radioactive waste were dumped in the area, and recent findings show significant degradation and leaks from some containers at depths exceeding 4,700 meters. BNG argues that Spain’s current approach—limited to coastal water testing—fails to address the potential ecological damage to Galician waters and related industries. The party calls for collaboration with French researchers, evaluation of the mission results, and a plan to safely remove the waste if feasible.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the Spanish government as passive and neglectful in addressing a critical environmental issue affecting Galicia, while praising France’s proactive scientific efforts. It highlights the demands of the nationalist BNG party, which typically leans left, emphasizing environmental and,

elDiario.esIndependentProgressive15 hr. ago

Scientists from the CNRS-led Project Nodssum have documented significant deterioration of radioactive barrels dumped into the Atlantic Deep in Galicia over 40 years ago. The expedition, involving researchers from multiple universities and institutions, observed advanced corrosion of some containers and detected higher-than-expected levels of radionucleides in the area, though still low overall. These barrels, containing 140,000 tons of nuclear waste, were deposited between the 1940s and 1990s at depths exceeding 4,000 meters. Researchers collected water, sediment, and biological samples to study the environmental impact of the waste and assess biodiversity around the site. The Basque National Party (BNG) has urged the Spanish government to actively participate in research and develop a potential removal plan, criticizing its lack of involvement despite the potential effects on Galician marine ecosystems.

Bias read (Progressive): The article highlights concerns raised by the Basque National Party (BNG) regarding Spain’s lack of involvement in addressing the environmental risks posed by historical nuclear waste dumping. This framing emphasizes the need for governmental action and criticizes the current administration’s inattt