Concern: Syrian Chemical Weapons’ Effect on Sea

By C. J. Refsland on December 4, 2013 • ( 0 )

My comment: When I first heard this I couldn’t believe it, let’s just dump some more poison into our waters. It’s not bad enough the effects of Fukishima on our oceans. Now lets destroy the eco-system in the Mediterranean. What are they thinking?

Ships transit the Mediterranean Sea. (Photo credit: Official U.S. Navy Imagery)

Experts are concerned over the long-term effects that Syria’s chemical weapons might have on the Mediterranean sea, Maariv reported Wednesday. US forces will be dumping over 800 tons of toxins into the Sea at the end of the month.

Professor Moshe Kol, Organic Chemistry Professor at Tel Aviv University, explained that the effects of the dissemination of Sarin nerve gas may have long-lasting effects on the sea’s natural ecology.

“Sarin is composed of phosphorus and oxygen and the process of decomposition of the compound ultimately leaves phosphoric acid – which is, incidentally , an ingredient in Coca -Cola ,” explains Professor Kol. “They’ll probably throw it into the Mediterranean. Other materials involved in the decomposition process include sodium hypochlorite , which is basically bleach and sodium hydroxide , which is actually cleaner – caustic soda. Mustard gas will be dissolved in the process of hydrolysis and oxidation.”

“I guess the decomposition process will end in the sea,” Kol stated. “What is worrying is the fact that the materials may kill the fish at the dumping site,” he added, emphasizing that this could dissipate “chemical byproducts over a large area” and maximize the environmental damage.

Full article: Concern: Syrian Chemical Weapons’ Effect on Sea – Middle East – News – Israel National News#.Up-wY1vnb3g