Report on Plutonium as a Geological Marker and Its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction to Anthropocene and Geological Markers

The Anthropocene epoch, characterized by significant human impact on Earth, has been linked to various geological markers. One prominent marker is the thin layer of plutonium that encircled the globe following the first nuclear weapons tests in the mid-20th century. This layer has been considered a defining indicator of human influence on the planet.

Plutonium Concentration in Ocean Sediments

Geologists have identified a distinctive spike in plutonium concentrations in ocean sediments, particularly from nuclear tests conducted by the United States in the Marshall Islands during the 1940s and 1950s. Plutonium, an anthropogenic element not naturally occurring in the environment, persists in ocean sediments for thousands of years due to its long half-lives.

Recent research by Edith Cowan University (ECU) has confirmed plutonium levels in sediments near the Montebello Islands off Western Australia to be up to 4,500 times higher than those found along the Western Australian coastline.

Historical Nuclear Tests at Montebello Islands

1. Three plutonium-based nuclear weapons tests were conducted by the United Kingdom in the 1950s at the Montebello Islands.
2. The first test, Operation Hurricane, had a yield of approximately 25 kilotons (kT) and created a crater in the seabed.
3. The second and third tests, Operation Mosaic G1 and G2, had yields of around 15 kT and 60 kT, respectively.
4. The explosive yields were comparable to the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima (15 kT) and Nagasaki (21 kT) in 1945.

Debate on the Anthropocene Epoch

There is ongoing debate regarding the formal recognition of the Anthropocene as a geological epoch. While plutonium serves as a significant marker, other indicators challenge its primacy. These include:

• Presence of microplastics
• Accumulation of heavy metals
• Rapid increases in atmospheric CO2 and methane levels
• Spread of highly invasive species
• Development of landfills and urban areas as unique depositional environments

These markers suggest the Anthropocene’s onset could range from the early 17th century to the mid-20th century. Despite these enduring human-induced environmental changes, the Anthropocene is not yet officially classified as a geological epoch.

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The findings on plutonium contamination and the broader implications of the Anthropocene epoch are closely linked to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – Monitoring and mitigating radioactive contamination in marine sediments is critical for preserving ocean health and biodiversity.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Understanding long-lasting pollutants like plutonium informs water quality management and pollution reduction strategies.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The debate over Anthropocene markers, including greenhouse gas increases, underscores the urgency of climate mitigation efforts.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The spread of invasive species and land-use changes highlight the need for sustainable terrestrial ecosystem management.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Addressing pollution and waste, including microplastics and radioactive materials, aligns with sustainable consumption goals.

Conclusion

The persistence of plutonium in ocean sediments and its role as a geological marker emphasize the profound and lasting human impact on the environment. This research contributes to the understanding of the Anthropocene epoch and highlights the importance of integrating scientific findings into sustainable development policies to achieve the SDGs.

Additional Resources

• Edith Cowan University Research on Plutonium Levels
• Embedded Videos:

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article discusses plutonium contamination in ocean sediments, highlighting marine pollution and its long-term impact on marine ecosystems.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The presence of anthropogenic pollutants such as plutonium and microplastics points to unsustainable production and waste management practices.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article references rapid increases in CO2 and methane as potential markers of the Anthropocene, linking to climate change issues.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The spread of highly invasive species and the presence of landfills and urban areas as unique depositional environments relate to terrestrial ecosystem changes.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
   • Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks.
   • Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.8: By 2020, introduce measures to prevent the introduction and significantly reduce the impact of invasive alien species on land and water ecosystems.
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 14:
   • Concentration levels of plutonium isotopes in ocean sediments as a measure of marine pollution.
   • Presence and concentration of microplastics and heavy metals in marine environments.
2. Indicators related to SDG 12:
   • Quantities of anthropogenic pollutants such as plutonium and microplastics detected in environmental samples.
   • Rates of waste generation and recycling, implied through discussion of landfills and urban depositional environments.
3. Indicators related to SDG 13:
   • Measurements of atmospheric CO2 and methane concentrations indicating climate change progression.
4. Indicators related to SDG 15:
   • Extent and impact of invasive species spread in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
   • Changes in land use patterns such as urbanization and landfill presence.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: marinetechnologynews.com