Scientific Trip Investigating the Nord Stream Leak Discovers Methane Levels Were 1,000 Times Higher Than Usual

The University of Gothenburg's research trip to the Nord Stream leak has returned home.

The researchers determined that methane levels surrounding the leak were 1,000 times higher than normal, but it's too soon to make any conclusions.

The researchers returned with a large number of samples to examine.

High levels of methane in the Nord Stream leak area

(Photo : Swedish Coast Guard via Getty Images)

The research vessel Skagerak has returned to Gothenburg after five days at sea. The researchers are satisfied with their efforts after a hurriedly organized journey to the Nord Stream leaks in the Baltic Sea, as per ScienceDaily.

"Considering the short preparation time, everything has gone quite well. We had the researchers and equipment we needed onboard in less than 48 hours," said Katarina Abrahamsson, a marine chemist at the University of Gothenburg and expedition organizer.

Methane gas is dissolved in water, but when it reaches the surface, it reverts to gas and is released into the atmosphere.

The length of time that increased methane levels persist in the Baltic Sea is determined by currents and when the leaking ceases.

It is unknown what effect these high methane levels may have on marine life. For example, microorganisms in the water can oxidize methane gas to thrive and propagate.

"During the voyage, I filtered water samples to examine if there is now a development of these sorts of bacteria when there are increased methane levels in the water," explained Carina Bunse, a marine biologist at the University of Gothenburg.

Skagerak has returned to Gothenburg, and the researchers face a massive burden.

Before anything can be said with certainty about the long-term impact of Nord Stream emissions on marine life, water samples and measurements must be analyzed and discussed.

However, the researchers are already planning future missions to the seas east of Bornholm.

Also Read: Christmas Trees Absorb Greenhouse Gas Methane: Study

What's all the fuss about methane?

Methane is the principal contributor to the creation of ground-level ozone, a dangerous air pollutant and greenhouse gas that causes one million premature deaths each year, as per UNEP.

Methane is another potent greenhouse gas. It is 80 times more effective than carbon dioxide at warming during 20 years.

Methane has been responsible for around 30% of global warming since pre-industrial times and is spreading faster than at any previous time since records began in the 1980s.

Indeed, even while carbon dioxide emissions slowed during the pandemic-related lockdowns of 2020, atmospheric methane increased, according to United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration statistics.

According to UNEP Food Systems and Agriculture Advisor James Lomax, the world must begin by "rethinking our approaches to agricultural cultivation and livestock production," which involves harnessing new technologies, turning toward plant-rich diets, and embracing alternate protein sources.

According to Lomax, this will be critical if mankind is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to 1.5°C, as set by the Paris climate pact.

Within a decade, human-caused methane emissions might be decreased by up to 45 percent. This would save roughly 0.3°C of global warming by 2045, contributing to a 1.5°C global temperature rise and putting the world on pace to meet the Paris Agreement objectives.

Every year, the resulting reduction in ground-level ozone would also save 260,000 lives, 775,000 asthma-related hospital visits, 73 billion hours of missed labor due to high heat, and 25 million tonnes of agricultural losses.

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