WILMINGTON — Researchers at UNC-Wilmington say large areas underneath the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds are virtual undersea deserts because of contamination by toxic metals and chemicals.
In a federally sponsored study, researchers found nickel, arsenic, pesticides and other toxins lacing the sediments.
The scientists spent summers from 1994 through 1997 scooping up mud from the sea floor as part of an Environmental Protection Agency study of national estuaries.
The study was released earlier this month. Scientists agree that the best solution is to stop pouring filth into rivers and hope for severe storms to stir up the sediment and wash it out to sea.
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