Scientific evidence supports the discharge of Fukushima water into the sea

2023-10-06 17:17:20

MADRID, 6 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –

An investigation published in Science by scientists from the universities of Portsmouth, Curtin and ANU argues that It is safe to dump contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear accident into the sea.

Experts assessed any potential effects based on scientific evidence of past releases of radioactivity and radiation dose calculations by independent researchers and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Comparisons with global nuclear facilities reveal that the planned tritium discharge from the Fukushima plant –severely damaged by a tsunami in 2011– It is substantially lower than discharges from many other nuclear facilities, such as the La Hague reprocessing plant in France.

The team has concluded that the expected radiation doses to marine life and seafood consumers will be insignificant and will fall well below safety thresholds.

Treated wastewater is diluted before being discharged to ensure tritium levels are well below regulatory limits. The levels of other radionuclides released are also being carefully monitored to ensure compliance with standards set by regulatory bodies.

Professor Jim Smith, from the University of Portsmouth, said: “The release follows strict regulations and security measures. The plan, provided it is carried out correctly, “is supported by strong scientific evidence on the risks of radioactivity releases into marine systems.”

The main radioactive contaminant in wastewater is tritium, present in the form of tritiated water (HTO). While tritium, like other radioactive substances, can induce DNA damage in organisms, its low radiotoxicity significantly reduces potential damage.

Tritium’s chemical similarity to tap water prevents a significant increase in the concentration of the substance, also known as biomagnification, since its absorption and distribution are controlled by the much larger volume of non-radioactive water.

“Our long-term studies have found that much more contaminated aquatic ecosystems near Chernobyl show remarkable resistance to radiation: populations of fish and aquatic insects are thriving“Professor Smith explained.

Honorary Associate Professor Tony Irwin of ANU (Australian National University) added: “Releases of tritiated water occur around the world at levels significantly higher than releases from Fukushima and have been occurring for many decades.

“Kori power plant in South Korea discharges approximately twice as much tritiated water to the sea compared to the Fukushima discharge. “The La Hague facility in northern France discharges 450 times more than the Fukushima discharge into the English Channel and no significant radiation doses are produced.”

Associate Professor Nigel Marks, of Curtin University, added: “There are understandable concerns on the part of the Fukushima community and the public, given the historical context of the disaster, but these fears are not based on scientific evidence. The scientific consensus, backed by evidence, is that the release of wastewater from Fukushima does not pose a significant threat.”