A study from the University of Portsmouth highlights potential risks to ecosystems, seafood safety, and human health from materials used to protect offshore wind turbines from corrosion. These turbines release thousands of tons of metals like aluminum, zinc, and indium into surrounding waters annually, with inputs expected to increase 12-fold by 2050 due to the expansion of wind farms. This could lead to harmful metal accumulation in marine species like oysters, mussels, and seaweed, particularly near co-located aquaculture operations, posing risks to human consumption and environmental health.
Researchers emphasize the need for improved monitoring of water and sediment around wind farms, the use of less harmful corrosion-protection systems, and stricter guidelines for combining aquaculture with wind energy. While offshore wind farms are essential for a clean energy future, the study urges proactive measures to mitigate environmental impacts as the industry scales up.