Scientists have found massive levels of radiation near Australia

Scientists from Australia have found colossal levels of radiation on the Montebello Islands off the continent’s west coast.

These islands were the site of British nuclear testing in the mid-20th century. The study is published in the scientific journal Marine Pollution Bulletin.

Between 1952 and 1956, three nuclear weapons tests, codenamed Operation Hurricane and Operation Mosaic, were conducted on the Montebello Islands.

The most powerful explosion of 60 kilotons left behind not only craters but also long-lived radioactive isotopes – plutonium, cesium-137, and strontium-90.

After 70 years, the concentration of plutonium in the archipelago’s sediments is 4,500 times higher than background levels.

Despite their status as a marine reserve, home to rare species, the islands remain a popular fishing destination.

This is particularly alarming because plutonium is most dangerous when ingested.