Corrosion of ammunition dumped in the Baltic Sea

Abstract

The article presents the preliminary results of a research aimed at preparation for the extraction of chemical ammunition immersed after the Second World War(WWII) in the waters of the Baltic Sea (BS). It has been 70 years since the first steps aiming at elimination of mainly German chemical weapons were taken, while the expected durability (tightness) of metal barrels construction or other containers was estimated at 50-60 years. Consequently there is a serious risk of contamination of the Baltic Sea waters, not only with toxic warfare agents but also with the products of their decomposition. The evaluation of barrels’ and containers’ with TWA corrosion processes progress will determine the possibility of these munitions extraction to the surface in order to perform their classic utilization.