Knowledge Portal Munitions in the SeaNumerous studies provide information on the input and effects of chemical compounds from munitions on marine life. This concerns the overall view of these effects and their consequences for the marine food web and human nutrition.
Explosive chemicals are of high toxicological relevance. Due to their physicochemical properties, they may accumulate along the marine trophic chain and may ultimately endanger all kinds of the marine fauna. Explosive chemicals, as well as their metabolic transformation products, are classified as toxic and even mutagenic and carcinogenic. Chronic exposure to very low concentrations can trigger sublethal effects in all kinds of marine biota. Ultimately, humans may also be affected when these substances end up in the marine food chain.