Nuclear-Based Approaches application for marine pollution assessment and monitoring

Table of Contents

1. Frontmatter

2. Chapter 1. Nuclear-Based Approaches for Marine Pollution Assessment: A Bibliometric Analysis

   Nezha Mejjad, Hicham Boutracheh

   Abstract

   Nuclear-based approaches offer powerful tools for monitoring and managing ocean pollution through accurate tracing and assessment capabilities. The present study focuses on analyzing publications trends and studies that used isotopes and nuclear technologies for marine pollution assessment and management. In addition, the use of nuclear approaches for microplastic monitoring, chemical contaminants assessment, blue carbon sequestration rates estimation, oil spill tracking, and ocean acidification tracking over time was reviewed and analyzed. The chapter showed the critical role that nuclear technology plays in advancing knowledge and enhancing understanding of marine pollution. The bibliometric analysis underscores the lack of studies related to nuclear approaches as a potential solution to tackle the current marine pollution issues while the focus is mainly on atmospheric fallout of radioelement and the use of nuclear techniques for chemical pollution assessment using sediment cores, radiation levels, absorbed dose and limit values. The study analysis calls to improve investment in nuclear-based research, which can contribute to sustainable solutions for preserving and sustaining ocean health for future generations.

3. Chapter 2. An Analysis of the Application of Nuclear and Isotopic Approaches for the Monitoring of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants

   Souad Nasrdine, Nezha Mejjad, Jamal Mabrouki, Youssef El Mourabit, Miloudia Slaoui

   Abstract

   Marine and coastal environments are indispensable for biodiversity and climate change mitigation, threatening by anthropogenic pollutants such as radionuclides, heavy metals, microplastics among other organic and inorganic pollutants. Advanced and innovative approaches and methodologies are required to assess and trace pollutants origins, quantify and evaluate impacts, and inform decision making concerning sustainable mitigation and management strategies. The present chapter analyze the critical role of nuclear and isotopic methods in addressing organic and inorganic pollution in coastal environments. The analysis revealed the role of radionuclides such as ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb in reconstructing pollution history, identifying trends and potential sources to linking contamination significant levels to specific anthropogenic activities. Stable isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) enable pollutants origins distinction and differentiating agricultural runoff from industrial discharges while emerging applications involve stable isotope fingerprinting of microplastics to trace the sources of polymer and isotopic tracers (e.g., ³H, ¹²⁹I) for modeling dispersion of pollutant in ocean currents. Through bridging scientific innovation with policy frameworks, nuclear and isotopic techniques provide a roadmap for mitigating marine pollution, increasing ecosystem resilience, and safeguarding life below water and thus human health.

4. Chapter 3. Application of Radiotracer Techniques to Trace Pollutants in Marine Ecosystems

   Hajar Khabouche, Jamal Mabrouki, Driss Azdem, Selma Mabrouki, Salah Eddine Sbai, Miloudia Slaoui, Imane Rouichat, Houria Al Bakraoui

   Abstract

   Numerous contemporary environmental concerns jeopardizing the health and sustainability of coastal and marine ecosystems are induced or intensified by a multitude of anthropogenic stressors, further aggravated by climate and oceanic changes. Since the public became aware of the growing contamination of water supplies, deterioration of the atmosphere, and poisoning of soils by industrial toxicants, environmental pollution issues have grown to be global issues. The use of biomonitoring techniques in assessing and controlling strategies for the marine environment has several advantages (precise, responsive, and feasible) over any other technique method. Nuclear techniques have opened up new perspectives on the pathways and rates of uptake. This chapter focuses on clarifying the function of radiological marine biomonitoring. This paper highlights the application of radiotracers, illustrates the advancement of existing radioecological tracing techniques for contemporary environmental challenges, and presents insights on forthcoming difficulties that could benefit from both current and novel radiotracer methodologies.

5. Chapter 4. The Impact of Radioactive Materials on Marine Ecosystems: Evaluation and Perspectives

   Saloua Mabsor-Zgandaoui, Adil Aknouch, Youssef El-Ouardi, Khawla Rachmoune

   Abstract

   Radioactive materials from natural, intentional, and accidental sources represent a persistent threat to marine ecosystems and human health. Once introduced into the ocean, radionuclides interact with water, sediments, and organisms, undergoing transport, transformation, and incorporation into food webs. Through bioaccumulation and biomagnification, they can disrupt biodiversity and expose human populations via seafood consumption. This chapter reviews the main sources of marine radioactivity, including nuclear tests, waste disposal, and nuclear accidents, and examines the mechanisms driving dispersion and ecological effects. Risk assessment tools and ecological protection frameworks are presented alongside current advances and challenges. Sustainable management strategies, such as monitoring, waste treatment, and bioremediation, are also discussed to mitigate long-term impacts on marine ecosystems and human health.

6. Chapter 5. From Contaminants to Indicators: The Dual Function of Radionuclides in Marine Ecosystems

   Karima Azoulay, Imane Bencheikh, Khadija El-Moustaqim, Najat Qisse, Dalal Boudoudou, Salah Eddine Sbai, Jamal Mabrouki

   Abstract

   The oceans, essential for climate regulation, biodiversity, and human resources, are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic pollution. This pollution comes primarily from urban, industrial, and agricultural activities, in addition to atmospheric and marine inputs such as oil spills and plastic waste. Pollutants include heavy metals, hydrocarbons, excess nutrients, and radionuclides, which compromise water quality, disrupt food chains, and threaten the food security of coastal populations. Transport pathways runoff, atmospheric deposition, ocean circulation, and sedimentation favor their accumulation in particularly vulnerable areas such as the Mediterranean.

   Radionuclides occupy a unique position: as persistent contaminants, they are also powerful tracers for studying pollution dynamics and dating sedimentary deposits. Their fate depends on intrinsic properties (half-life, chemical affinity, decay mode) and environmental conditions (pH, salinity, suspended solids). Certain isotopes, such as ¹³⁷Cs or ²¹⁰Pb, can identify the origin of sediments, while tritium and carbon-14 are integrated into major biogeochemical cycles. In addition, bioaccumulating organisms mussels, fish, seagrass beds play a role as biological sentinels, revealing contamination and its effects on ecosystems.

   The integration of radionuclides and bioindicators, combined with modern biomonitoring techniques, strengthens our understanding of transfer processes and provides strategic tools for managing and preventing environmental risks. This study places these approaches within the framework of biomonitoring, emphasizing the methodological integration to characterize ecological quality and guide environmental management.

7. Chapter 6. Natural Radioactivity Concentrations Assessment of Sediment Cores of the Moulay Bousselham Coastal Lagoon, Morocco

   Nezha Mejjad, Abdelmourhit Laissaoui, Azzouz Benkdad

   Abstract

   The present study aims to assess natural radioactivity in sediment cores collected from the Moulay Bousselham Lagoon. For this purpose, sediment cores were analyzed for radionuclides concentrations measurement by gamma spectrometry. At the same time, the radiometric dating approach was applied to establish the deposition history of radionuclides in the lagoon using Pb-210. In the three cores, Ra-226 levels show slight variations in the top layers and then deplete with depth. Similarly, for ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K, the concentration activity decreases with depth, with a pronounced peak shown in the period extended between 1973 and 1980 in the three cores for the three studied radionuclides. This suggests a change in conditions controlling the accumulation of these naturally occurring radionuclides. The calculated radiation hazards index values were lower than the global average, signifying no radiological risk associated with the investigated radionuclides, and the lagoonal sediments do not present any serious hazard. This study is the first detailed database carried out in Moulay Bousselham on the assessment of the history of natural radionuclides deposition and concentrations, and it will be a reference for the activity of radionuclides in Moulay Bousselham lagoon sediment.

8. Chapter 7. Microplastics: Transfer Pathways, Radiotracing and Challenges for Coastal Environments

   Imane Bencheikh, Karima Azoulay, Khadija El-Moustaqim, Najat Qisse, Driss Azdem, Jamal Mabrouki

   Abstract

   Wastewater, industry, runoff, and degraded plastics pathways spread microplastics into waterways, and coastal areas. Lagoons, estuaries, and river systems, as semi-enclosed and ecologically sensitive environments, thus become prime reservoirs for their accumulation, increasing the risks to aquatic biodiversity and, indirectly, to human health. In this context, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has, since 2024, strengthened its efforts through the NUTEC Plastics program, aimed at structuring an international network of laboratories, harmonizing analytical protocols, and developing next-generation detection technologies, ranging from satellite imagery integrated with artificial intelligence to spectroscopic approaches and advanced sensors. At the same time, nuclear techniques, and in particular radiotracing, are opening up new perspectives for monitoring in real time the transport, accumulation, and excretion of microplastics in aquatic and biological environments, through the use of radiolabeled plastics and non-destructive analyses. However, challenges remain, notably the stability of isotopes in saline and pH-varying environments, which can compromise the reliability of in situ measurements. This work highlights these recent advances and limitations, while emphasizing the potential of nuclear approaches, integrated with emerging technologies, to trace the fate of microplastics from urban effluents to sensitive coastal ecosystems. This synergy paves the way for more precise monitoring and a better understanding of the ecological and health impacts linked to plastic pollution.

9. Chapter 8. Nuclear and Isotopic Methods for Quantifying Blue Carbon Stocks, Estimating Sequestration Rates, and Identifying Sources

   Nezha Mejjad, Abdelmourhit Laissaoui, Moncef Benmansour

   Abstract

   Nuclear and isotopic approaches are widely used in the field of environmental science as powerful tools for mitigating and managing environmental issues. These approaches are employed to track the history of pollutants over time and identify their potential sources, which helps in establishing mitigation and remediation strategies. In blue carbon sciences, these approaches are indispensable. By applying radiometric dating, it becomes possible to track changes in carbon accumulation over time and to quantify carbon burial rates. This information is crucial for understanding the sequestration and storage capacities of blue carbon ecosystems, which, in turn, helps in restoration projects and management programs of coastal blue carbon ecosystems. In this sense, the present chapter reviews and analyzes the role of nuclear approaches in advancing knowledge in the field of blue carbon sciences.

10. Chapter 9. Application of Nuclear Techniques and AI Curbing Seawater Pollution Addressing SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

    Bhupinder Singh, Saurabh Chandra, Ashima Jain

    Abstract

    Enhancing nuclear technology into battling with seawater pollution is one of the most complex challenges; however, it gives a particularly robust aspect to artificial intelligence for achieving SDG 14 (Life Below Water). For example, this kind of tracking radioisotope makes it possible for scientists to determine, trace and quantify contamination, sourcing pollution, and monitoring global changes in the oceans very accurately. These processes are very important in depositing heavy metals, cleaning up oil spills and potentially radioactive activity in marine systems. In addition to nuclear approaches, there is an AI approach in working with massive datasets derived from satellite images, and remote sensing technology, which can model pollution patterns and identify significant hotspots. Machine learning sports tools that would classify patterns in pollution using historic and up-to-date information and encourage the prediction of strategic models on interventions regarding pollution for a better treatment of prevention and the distribution of resources for optimum efficacy. This is achieved through the use of AI-managed robots and drones in water to survey and clean up the pollution as well as to carry out environmental assessments by removing physical garbage.

11. Chapter 10. Synergistic Applications of Microbial Biocatalysis and Nuclear Technologies in Marine Pollution Management

    Nisha Shankhwar

    Abstract

    Marine ecosystems face mounting pressure from pollutants such as industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, plastics, and oil spills. These pollutants build up in ecosystems over time and become stronger as they move up the food chain. Detection and monitoring are the main challenges in marine pollution management. Conventional cleanup strategies like filtration, biodegradation, chemical treatments, recycling are not effective. Traditional pollution detection and monitoring in ecosystems are often slow, costly, and inaccurate due to their reliance on on-site labor, single sensors, and manual data validation. Nuclear techniques strengthen these processes by enabling precise detection and monitoring. Isotopic labeling, radiometric assays, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy provide detailed spatial and temporal profiles of contaminant dynamics, allowing refinement of bioremediation strategies. Microorganisms employ enzymatic pathways including hydrolysis, oxidation, reduction, and dehalogenation to convert pollutants into less harmful intermediates. The integration of microbial bioremediation with nuclear techniques offers an effective approach to addressing hydrocarbon and radioactive contamination. This method utilizes microbial processes to degrade pollutants while employing nuclear tools to enhance monitoring and control. Studies involving radiolabeled substrates and isotopic fractionation shed light on microbial degradation pathways, aiding in the enhancement of bioprocesses. Regulatory and technical challenges persist; the convergence of microbial and nuclear technologies offers a scalable framework for addressing complex marine pollutants. This chapter presents an integrated strategy combining microbial biocatalysis and nuclear technologies to mitigate human impacts and support long-term ocean preservation.

12. Chapter 11. Nuclear Energy for Desalination in Seawater: A Solution for Arid Regions?

    Khadija El-Moustaqim, Chaimae Lamiri, Dalal Boudoudou, Karima Azoulay, Imane Bencheikh, Aziza Lamchaimech, Jamal Mabrouki

    Abstract

    The urgent problem of potable water scarcity, especially in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, has a possible solution in nuclear desalination. This technology provides a sustainable substitute for existing water supply methods by using the thermal energy produced by nuclear reactors, which is typically regarded as a byproduct, to desalinate saltwater. To address this growing need and guarantee that communities have access to vital water supplies for agriculture, drinking, and sanitation, nuclear desalination is a feasible alternative. Moreover, climate change intensifies water scarcity by altering conventional precipitation patterns, resulting in droughts and floods across different areas. This erratic unpredictability makes nuclear desalination a dependable supply of freshwater, ensuring water availability in areas susceptible to climate-induced shortages. In this article, we have conducted a study to evaluate the current status of desalination with nuclear energy by assessing the innovative technologies for seawater desalination, which could be coupled to the main types of existing nuclear energy. It also provides the recent developments in nuclear desalination and its future role are discussed.

13. Chapter 12. A DPSIR Framework to Analyze the Purpose of Using Nuclear Techniques for Marine Environment Protection

    Nezha Mejjad, Hamid Amsil

    Abstract

    The health of the world’s oceans is under serious threat from various anthropogenic activities, including chemical pollution, ocean acidification, microplastic contamination, eutrophication, and the degradation of blue carbon ecosystems. Multiple analytical techniques, including nuclear techniques, have been developed for monitoring coastal and marine systems. To assess the role of using these techniques for marine ecosystem management, a Driver–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework was applied. The analysis underlined the importance of nuclear approaches in providing precise data for marine environmental monitoring. It also emphasized the role of these techniques in bridging scientific capabilities with environmental assessment, policy development, and management strategies.