Thünen researcher accompanies munitions recovery in the Bay of Lübeck

The first trial clearances of World War II munitions are underway in the Bay of Lübeck. These are being scientifically supported by the CONMAR project of the German Marine Research Alliance (DAM). The Thünen Institute is on board as a project partner to analyse fish health before, during and after salvage. The focus is on leaked TNT. This explosive was used more than any other in bombs, grenades and other munitions.

This week, the scientists were in the Bay of Lübeck with the research vessel Alkor to measure TNT residues in fish, among other things, during a salvage operation. The 45 flatfish collected were checked on board for external signs of disease. However, Dr Jörn Scharsack from the Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology says that the fish did not show any external signs of TNT contamination. In the laboratory, the fish's bile in particular is now being analysed because TNT can be detected particularly well in the detoxification organ. The TNT contamination of the fish is not a problem for humans. According to Scharsack, the contamination is by no means hazardous to health.

More on dumped munition

Explosives in fish bile