Analysis of a Munition-like Item Retrieved from the North Sea

MIREMAR - Conference

Christel Meert, Royal Military Academy, Dept of Chemistry, Brussels / Belgium & Francis Kerckhof

Abstract

In spring 2010, several unknown objects were found in a fish basket on the quay of the fishing harbour of Oostende. They were collected at the Belgian Marine Environmental Management Section in Ostend. They were obviously fished by Belgian fishermen and an analysis of the marine fauna growing on and in the objects pointed to an origin of southern European waters such as the eastern Channel or Irish Sea. Because of the faint almond odour, it was thought the items were related to ambergris.

Ambergris is a solid, waxy substance of a dull grey or blackish colour produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. Freshly produced ambergris has a marine, faecal odour. However, as it ages, it is reported to acquire a sweet earthy scent.

A closer inspection of the inner part of the material, however, showed the presence of metal parts. This observation suggested that the found material could consist of a WWII shell dumped in the North Sea. A sample was send to the chemistry department of the Royal Military Academy.

Aliquots of the sample were taken at different parts of the shell. Thermal analysis by Differential Scanning Calorimetry showed the presence of nitrocellulose/nitroglycerine. This was confirmed by HPLC/UV.

Further analysis, based on GC/MS should provide more information on the composition of the material. The results of these analyses and possibly further information on the origin of the item identification of the material will be discussed in the oral presentation.

Contact
Christel Meert
Francis Kerckhof

Royal Military Academy
Dept of Chemistry
Renaissancelaan 30
1000 Brussels / Belgium
christel.meert(at)rma.ac.be

Files

• Presentation Christel Meert, Royal Military Academy, Dept of Chemistry, Brussels / Belgium & Francis Kerckhof