24 February 2024 at 09:10 Abandoned oil and gas pipelines in the North Sea can release toxins Scientists warn that abandoned oil and gas pipelines in the North Sea can pose a risk of pollution by releasing toxins such as mercury, radioactive lead and polonium-210, writes The Guardian. Mercury, a highly toxic substance, is naturally found in oil and gas and sticks to the inside of pipelines. Over time, it builds up and can be released into the sea when the pipeline decays. Some forms of mercury, including the most toxic form called methylmercury, can be released by the pipelines. The researchers warn that the amount of mercury in the sea could increase significantly if the current pipelines are allowed to rot. This can lead to serious consequences for marine life, including mammals such as dolphins, whales and seals, as well as seabirds and large predatory fish such as tuna and swordfish. In some countries, such as Australia, companies are required to remove the pipelines when the oil well stops producing, but in the North Sea, companies are allowed to let them lapse, according to The Guardian.
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