The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) decommissioning journey by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has been marked by challenges, none more significant than the discharge of water treated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) that started in August 2023. Let us dispel myths surrounding the water release and provide a comprehensive analysis of the monitoring results, with a specific focus on tritium and other radioactive materials.
Addressing Concerns
The skepticism among the public, both domestically and internationally, essentially stems from fear and misinformation. The cornerstone of Fukushima’s water management strategy lies in the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS). Designed to filter out radioactive substances, ALPS has proven its efficacy in treating the vast amounts of water stored on-site. The success of three consecutive releases underscores the reliability of ALPS in significantly reducing radioactivity levels, leaving only trace amounts of tritium and carbon-14.
Understanding Tritium Levels
Tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, is a key focus of the monitoring efforts. The benchmark values for tritium in Japan and internationally, including TEPCO’s ALPS treated water discharge standards, are well below established safety thresholds. This includes the WHO Standards for Drinking Water (10,000 Bq/L), TEPCO ALPS Treated Water Discharge Standards (1,500 Bq/L), and Regulatory Standards of Tritium for Safety (60,000 Bq/L). Additionally, the ambient tritium concentration range in seawater, tap water, and rainwater is within safe limits.
Monitoring Tritium in Seawater
The Japanese government and TEPCO have implemented rigorous monitoring protocols to assess the impact of treated water discharge on the environment. Extensive testing of ocean water, sediment, and marine life has been conducted to ensure that the released water meets international safety standards. Comprehensive monitoring results for tritium in seawater, gathered from various entities such as the Environmental Radiation Database, Nuclear Regulation Authority, Fukushima Prefecture, and the Ministry of the Environment, consistently indicate that tritium concentrations fall within the fluctuation range of past levels. This supports the conclusion that the discharged water has no discernible impact on people or the environment.
Tritium in Marine Products and Marine Biota
Data from the Fisheries Agency and the Ministry of the Environment regarding tritium levels in marine products and fish demonstrate values below the detection lower limit. These results, plotted for convenience, underscore the commitment to safety and transparency in the decommissioning process, as all values remain well below established safety thresholds.
Nuclides Other Than Tritium
Extensive testing prior to the discharge of ALPS treated water confirmed that nuclides other than tritium would be present at concentrations below regulatory standards. Monitoring results of gamma ray nuclides conducted by the Ministry of the Environment further affirm that their concentrations are below the regulatory standards.
Three successful treated water discharges from Fukushima, coupled with meticulous monitoring and testing, have provided valuable insights into the safety and efficacy of the water management strategy. The comprehensive monitoring results, coupled with strict adherence to safety standards, emphasize the commitment to safety and transparency in the Fukushima decommissioning process. It is crucial to dispel misconceptions and base our conclusions on scientific evidence, fostering informed discussions about Fukushima’s ongoing recovery efforts and the safety of nuclear energy initiatives.
