An approach to assessing subsea pipeline-associated mercury release into the North Sea and its potential environmental and human health impact

• DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230943
• Publication Date: 2024-03-13T06:35:18Z
• Authors: Rebecca von Hellfeld; Astley Hastings
• Keywords: Subsea; Mercury

Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that has also been associated with anthropogenic sources such as cement production or hydrocarbon extraction. contaminant of concern it can have significant negative impact on organismal health when ingested. In aquatic environments, bioaccumulates up the foodweb, where then potential to human health. With offshore platforms in North Sea nearing decommissioning, they must be assessed source for environmental release mercury. International treaties govern handling materials placed ocean. Studies ecologic and economic benefits (partial) situ abandonment infrastructure artificial reefs. This applied pipelines after substantial cleaning remove mercury accumulation from inner surface. work outlines application an approach modelling marine bioaccumulation decommissioning scenarios Sea. Here, cleaned was unlikely food web However, knowledge gaps determined, which addressed before all impacts ecosystems excluded.