Scientists Prepare Atlantic Expedition to Study Nuclear Waste Dumping

Several European countries put more than 200,000 barrels of radioactive waste into the Atlantic Ocean decades ago.

The dumping happened between 1971 and 1982.

Now scientists from four countries are preparing to explore the area.

They want to learn whether the waste has affected ocean life and the seafloor.

Researchers have already used sonar to map a large part of the seabed.

In a small part of that area, they found 3,500 barrels.

Many barrels are now covered by animals such as crabs and sea anemones.

Scientists collected samples from about 50 barrels and nearby water, mud, and microbes.

They will use the expedition to look for radioactive materials and understand what happens to them in the deep ocean.