A new study by the University of Portsmouth has warned of the potential negative effects and environmental risks of metals used to shield wind turbines. The study indicates that metals, such as aluminium , zinc and indium , if exposed over time, could have serious consequences for marine ecosystems and human health.
Environmental risks in marine ecosystems
Corrosion protection systems on wind turbines, which are important for their operation, release large amounts of metals into the water . According to the study, offshore wind farms in Europe are releasing thousands of tons of these metals into the ocean every year. The main concern is that this figure could increase with the expansion of the parks, especially in areas close to aquaculture zones, such as seaweed and shellfish farms. The accumulation of these metals in marine organisms could alter ecosystems, affecting local biodiversity.
Seafood products such as oysters , mussels and seaweed grown near wind farms could accumulate dangerous levels of metals. In particular, zinc, which is found in high quantities in the water due to corrosion from turbines, could exceed the recommended limits for human consumption.
The UK government has set a target of reaching 100 gigawatts of offshore wind capacity by 2050, a significant increase from the current 13 gigawatts. However, with this expansion comes new challenges, as the increase in metals released could increase 12-fold over the coming decades, according to the study’s estimates. As wind farms continue to grow, it is crucial that policymakers and energy companies pay attention to the associated risks.
Researchers have urged more thorough monitoring of water and sediment around wind farms. They also suggest the implementation of corrosion protection systems with a lower environmental impact. It is vital to establish strict guidelines for the co-location of wind farms and aquaculture activities, to ensure that seafood grown in these areas is safe for human consumption.
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Source and photos: University of Portsmouth
