Author: Seun(Eric) Kim
Sub-Heading: Scientific evidence demonstrates the ocean discharge of Fukushima’s treated water to be the safest and most economical option. Compliance with international safety standards and minimal predicted environmental impact ensure responsible disposal of the contaminated water. Open communication and rigorous monitoring are vital to address public concerns and ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
In 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) encountered a devastating nuclear disaster after a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake and 15-meter tsunami struck, causing explosions in three reactors and leakage of noxious radionuclides (World Nuclear Association, 2023). To manage the resulting contaminated water, Japan released 10.4 thousand tons of untreated wastewater in 2011, followed by plans to release 1.25 million tons of treated water into the ocean promulgated in April 2021 (Normile, 2021). This announcement precipitated intense controversy and concerns among neighboring countries surrounding the complexity and gravity of addressing such a crucial issue. Under such circumstances, scientific evidence proves that ocean discharge is the most viable and safest solution for treating Fukushima’s contaminated water.
Primarily, ocean discharge is deemed the most economical and safest disposal method for contaminated water, according to the Subcommittee on Handling of the ALPS Treated Water Report (2020). This conclusion was reached after evaluating two alternative options – underground burial and vapor/ hydrogen release –, which were eventually excluded due to impractical prerequisites and additional technological requirements. In contrast, ocean discharge, requiring no further developments, is estimated to cost ¥3.4 billion ($2.4 million), significantly more cost-effective than vapor release (¥34.9 billion/ $24.9 million) and underground burial (¥243.1 billion/ $1.7 billion). Considering the speed at which the water tanks approach their maximum capacity and the remaining time until discharge, the Japanese government had no choice but to release the contaminated water to the sea.
Regarding safety, the scrupulous water treatment process effectively removes 62 radionuclides, with Strontium and Cesium reduced through the Kurion and SARRY systems, followed by 60 additional radionuclides via ALPS treatment. The treated water is then measured for radionuclide concentration, diluted with seawater if below the standard, and sent back for re-treatment if above, ensuring minimal risk of untreated water leakage into the ocean (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, 2021). In brief, taking into account circumstantial restrictions and safety considerations, ocean discharge has emerged as a rational and practical method for handling contaminated water.
Secondly, Japan’s discharge plan has been confirmed to be consistent with international safety standards. After announcing the discharge plans in April 2021, Japan requested the IAEA to conduct a comprehensive safety review of the implementation of the plans. In July 2023, after an extensive two-year scrutiny, the IAEA concluded that the approach and the activities associated with the discharge of Fukushima’s contaminated water are consistent with relevant international safety standards. The IAEA also insisted that it institute countermeasures for unexpected situations as it continues impartial safety review throughout the discharge phase (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2023).
Specific safety measures related to tritium concentration in the treated water:
Further into the safety of the treated water, as of March 31, 2023, tritium was the only nuclide that did not reach below the regulatory concentration limit after ALPS treatment (Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., 2023). Regarding this, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) proclaimed that it would dilute tritium to less than 1,500 Bq/L, which is 1/40 of the regulatory standard (60,000 Bq/L) and 1/7 of the WHO drinking water guideline level (10,000 Bq/L) (Nuclear Regulation Authority, n.d.). In other words, as long as Japan abides by the current safety status that complies with international standards throughout the discharge period and the IAEA continually monitors the conditions, safety-related problems will not arise.
Lastly, contrary to the concerns of many, the environmental impacts of discharged water are expected to be infinitesimal. The concerns stem from the untested long-term effects of nuclides and the varying half-life of a little-known substance called tritium – in human bodies, the water form lasts for ten days, while the organically-bound form lasts from 40 to 350 days.
ALPS-treated radionuclide accumulation in marine organisms:
In May 2023, TEPCO measured ALPS-treated radionuclide accumulation in flounder and gulfweed and revealed insignificant concentrations of other nuclides. Only tritium levels rose to about 1,000 Bq/L but were found to be diluted to the point where it was difficult to detect when transferred to seawater (Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc., 2023). Consequently, the influence of Fukushima’s discharged water on marine organisms kilometers away from the coast will be negligible.
Radionuclide seafloor accumulation:
Elements in the ocean, including radionuclides, either dissolve in seawater or sink to the bottom based on their adsorption properties with sedimentary particles. Typically, elements dissolved in seawater and in stable forms show little concentration differences between the surface and deep layers (동아사이언스, 2023).
As described above, it is considered that there will be no significant environmental impact concerning radiation exposure or the accumulation of radioactive materials underwater. Of course, the actual long-term effects will require detailed investigation, but there is no need to worry about the sea being polluted by the release of treated water from Fukushima. Moreover, adequate tritium processing and discharge under strict regulations will ensure minimal tritium exposure issues in water.
Tritium’s characteristics:
Tritium is a rare radionuclide that bonds with oxygen to form tritiated water, making complete removal arduous (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, 2021). However, due to its weak radiation and widespread presence, its effects would be low as long as its concentration remains under the standard, which is already the case.
Comparison of Japan’s tritium release levels with other nuclear facilities:
Currently, FDNPS stores 780 trillion Bq (TBq) of tritium, and Japan aims to release 22 TBq annually, which is a relatively low level (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, 2021). For instance, Kori Nuclear Power Station in Korea discharged 91 TBq in 2019, Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in Canada discharged 220 TBq in 2018, and the La Hague reprocessing plant in France discharged a substantial 11,400 TBq in the same year (Ministry of the Environment, 2022). This underscores that Japan’s proposed tritium release is on the lower end of the spectrum among these facilities.
Dispersion simulation results for tritium in the ocean:
Furthermore, according to the dispersion simulation by the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) in 2023, it will take approximately 4-5 years for a tritium level of 1 Bq/L – equivalent to the tritium level in lake water – to reach Jeju-do (An, 2023).
In conclusion, extensive scientific studies and modeling have confirmed that ocean discharge of treated water from Fukushima into the Pacific Ocean is the most economical and safest option, consistent with international safety standards, and expected to have negligible environmental impacts. However, public concerns and apprehensions remain evident. To address this, the Japanese government must persistently monitor trends, investigate the environmental impact of radioactive materials, and properly compensate actual victims. Additionally, the governments of neighboring countries should represent public concerns and maintain a firm stance on potential impacts. Ultimately, open and transparent communication, backed by rigorous scientific assessments and decisive actions, is overarching in addressing the concerns surrounding the discharge of treated water from Fukushima, ensuring both national and international communities can find reassurance in the safety and environmental sustainability of this crucial decision.
Claims established in this article do not necessarily reflect perspectives from JES.
Reference:
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