Addressing Fears Over Discharge of Treated Fukushima Wastewater Into Ocean
Japan has begun gradually releasing treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean with approval from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This move comes more than a decade after the devastating Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that triggered the catastrophic Fukushima nuclear disaster.
On Mar. 11, 2011, a 9.0 magnitude earthquake shook Japan, marking the most powerful earthquake to hit the country in 100 years. The tsunami that followed claimed over 18,000 lives, devastated the coastline, and led to the failure of the Daiichi nuclear power plant’s cooling systems. Subsequently, three of the plant’s nuclear reactor buildings exploded, which led to the meltdown of its reactor cores, triggering the nuclear power plant disaster. Since then, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the plant’s operator, has been working endlessly to manage the aftermath and contain the spread of radioactivity.
One of the most pressing challenges has been the storage of the wastewater used to cool the melted reactor cores. Over 1,000 on-site tanks house the water treated with the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) to remove all dangerous radioactive materials, except for residual elements tritium and carbon-14. Tritium, in particular, is especially difficult to remove from water, as it is an isotope of hydrogen with chemical properties nearly identical to regular hydrogen.
The tritium levels in the stored water have been rigorously measured, with a final reading of about 1,500 becquerels per liter (Bq/L), significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s standard for tritium in drinking water, which stands at 10,000 Bq/L.
To address the storage issue and facilitate the Fukushima plant’s decommissioning, Japan has commenced its plan to release the treated wastewater into the ocean. Japanese officials estimate that the discharge of wastewater will release up to 22 trillion becquerels of tritium annually, which will set in motion the decommissioning of the plant over the course of 30 years.
Regarding carbon-14, TEPCO has assured the public that the levels released will meet international standards. Researchers have also conducted comprehensive studies assessing the potential risks to humans and marine life.
Notably, the tritium levels released by Japan will be lower than those released by South Korea. In the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power’s 2022 report, South Korea’s Kori Nuclear Power Plant released liquid effluent containing 47.35 trillion becquerels of tritium, exceeding Japan’s planned annual tritium discharge.
Scientists worldwide support Japan’s decision to release the treated wastewater into the ocean. These scientists, including those from South Korea, have confirmed that the plan aligns with international standards and poses no significant scientific or technical issues.
Luis Apolo Staff Reporter teen/1694428490/1613367592
1. What has Japan has begun doing, according to paragraph 1? How is the timing?
2. What led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, according to paragraph 1 and 2?
3. What has been a pressing challenge regarding the wastewater? Explain in detail.
4. What is said about tritium and carbon 14 in paragraph 5 and 6?
1. What is your opinion on the issue? Explain.
2. What is your favorite seafood? Explain.
3. Should people eat seafood from Japan from now on? Explain.
4. How is Korea's relationship with Japan?
Japan has begun gradually releasing treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean with approval from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This move comes more than a decade after the devastating Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that triggered the catastrophic Fukushima nuclear disaster.
To address the storage issue and facilitate the Fukushima plant’s decommissioning, Japan has commenced its plan to release the treated wastewater into the ocean. Japanese officials estimate that the discharge of wastewater will release up to 22 trillion becquerels of tritium annually, which will set in motion the decommissioning of the plant over the course of 30 years.
