Summary
Researchers found higher levels of a radioactive substance called iodine-129 in the waters west of the Philippines. This material likely came from sources in countries like China and Eastern Europe and traveled south through ocean currents. The findings help scientists study how radioactive materials move across regions, though the detected levels are not a danger to people or marine life.
Key Facts
- Iodine‑129 is a radioactive substance used to study past nuclear activities.
- Higher levels of iodine‑129 were found in the West Philippine Sea, according to recent research.
- This isotope mainly comes from nuclear fuel reprocessing, weapons testing, and nuclear accidents.
- The detected levels in the study are not harmful to human health or animals in the area.
- Researchers traced the isotope's origins to places like China, Kazakhstan, and Europe.
- The findings show that ocean currents transport radioactive materials over large distances.
- The study was published in the Marine Pollution Bulletin and funded by Philippine research councils.
