Innovative Approach to Detecting Underwater Explosives
CISR
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(Northeastern Global News) Unexploded ordnance (UXO) from past world wars continue to pose threats, especially in marine environments. Loretta Fernandez, an associate professor at Northeastern University, is developing passive samplers that can detect degraded compounds in water, helping to locate these dangerous remnants. Unexploded ordnances, often found in the North and Baltic seas, release toxic chemicals as they degrade, threatening marine life and potentially humans. The Swiss government, recognizing these risks, has been monitoring its lakes for decades.
While the immediate explosive threat is concerning, the environmental impact of chemical byproducts from munitions like TNT, RDX, and HMX is equally dangerous. These compounds can harm aquatic ecosystems and require urgent attention. Fernandez's research aims to better understand how these compounds degrade and their toxicity, offering a promising strategy for addressing this global issue. The U.S., too, faces this challenge, particularly in coastal areas and former military sites like Vieques.
