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The leaks on the Nord Stream gas pipelines meant large emissions of methane gas that can be harmful to nature – and levels still appear to be high in some places.
Just over two months after the Nord Stream leaks were discovered, there are still “pockets” in the sea with high methane values, according to preliminary conclusions of a study that SVT Nyheter has seen.
The researchers have measured the effects of the leak using underwater robots. In the first two weeks after the sabotage against the gas pipelines, the methane values were around a hundred times higher than normal – so high that they were difficult for the instruments to handle, according to researcher Bastien Queste, assistant lecturer in marine sciences at the University of Gothenburg.
By and large, methane levels are now back to normal levels. But in some areas, they are still at least two to three times higher than normal, according to the preliminary results. However, the study cannot determine with certainty that the Nord Stream leaks are the cause of the high levels.
At the same time, another research project points to negative environmental effects of the high levels of methane gas that have been measured. Methane appears to enter food chains and affect ecosystems even after levels have fallen.
– It can contribute to eutrophication and ocean acidification, says Thomas Dahlgren, researcher at the University of Gothenburg, to SVT Nyheter.
Facts
The gas leaks in the Baltic Sea
A total of four leaks were discovered on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines that run from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea at the end of September.
Two of the leaks are in the Swedish economic zone, northeast of Bornholm, and two in the Danish economic zone, southeast of Bornholm. Countries’ economic zone is not the same as territorial waters.
Both Swedish and Danish seismic measurements show that explosions took place in the sea a few hours before the respective leak was discovered.
Authorities and assessors in several countries early on leaned towards the fact that these were deliberate attacks.
On November 18, Swedish prosecutors confirmed that the lines had been subjected to serious sabotage.
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