REVIEW PAPER
Unmanned marine systems for monitoring chemical weapons sunk in the Baltic Sea – an innovative tool for protecting human health and the environment
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1
Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute, Department of Military Health Care Organization and Public Health, Poland
2
Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Zakład Organizacji Ochrony Zdrowia Wojsk i Zdrowia Publicznego, Polska
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Training Battalion, Military Medical Training Center, Poland
4
Military Institute of Medicine – National Research Institute, Department of Administration and Mobilization, Poland
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Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Oddział Administracyjno Mobilizacyjny, Polska
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Centrum Zapobiegania Zagrożeniom Biologicznym, Wydział Biologii i Ochrony Środowiska Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego, Polska
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Faculty of Command and Naval Operations, Polish Naval Academy of the Heroes of Westerplatte, Poland
Submission date: 2024-12-16
Final revision date: 2025-01-20
Acceptance date: 2025-01-21
Publication date: 2025-09-26
Corresponding author
Jacek Grębowski
Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny – Państwowy Instytut Badawczy, Zakład Organizacji Ochrony Zdrowia Wojsk i Zdrowia Publicznego, ul. Szaserów 128, 04-141 Warszawa
LW 2025;103(3):182-187
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ABSTRACT
The Baltic Sea, one of the most congested seas in Europe, is particularly vulnerable to pollution due to its shallow depth and enclosed nature. After World War II, tons of German chemical weapons were dumped there on the orders of the Allied forces. It is estimated that around 40,000 tons of these weapons and munitions – including dangerous chemical agents such as sulfur mustard, tabun, and phosgene – now lie on the sea floor. These substances pose a serious threat to both marine life and human health, especially if leaks occur as a result of corrosion in the shells or containers in which the chemicals are stored. Regular monitoring of the condition of these containers is therefore essential. In this context, unmanned maritime systems – including underwater, surface, and aerial vehicles – play a crucial role in monitoring and neutralizing the threats posed by chemical weapons on the Baltic Sea floor. Working in collaboration, these systems can be used for detection, mapping, and environmental analysis to help minimize the risks associated with these substances.