In April 2021, the Japanese government's decision to discharge nuclear wastewater stored at the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea immediately aroused global concern and concern. The Fukushima nuclear power plant suffered a double whammy from an earthquake and tsunami in 2011, resulting in a nuclear leakage accident that produced a large amount of nuclear wastewater. Although the Japanese government said that it would treat and dilute the nuclear effluent to ensure that its radioactive concentration was below the standard set by the state, it was still widely questioned and opposed at home and abroad.
On August 24, 2023, Japan officially began discharging nuclear sewage into the sea. TEPCO said it would contaminate the water with seawater diluted to ensure its radioactivity concentration was below the national standard of 1500 becquerels per liter. However, just a few days after the discharge began, a turtle carcass was found on the beach in Chiba Ninety-nine Mile, Japan, which immediately aroused the attention and concern of netizens. Although the Japanese government has not yet officially responded to the incident, many believe it may be a direct consequence of the discharge of nuclear wastewater.
Although the Japanese government insists that the diluted effluent poses no immediate threat to marine ecosystems and human health, the incident has reignited global concerns about the potential impact of Japan's nuclear effluent discharge. The United States has even said it wants to reduce imports of aquatic products from Japan, suggesting that even Japan's allies are concerned about the decision.
The Japanese government and TEPCO said the radioactive concentration of the diluted nuclear effluent would be below the national standard, so it would not pose a direct threat to marine ecosystems and human health. However, this statement has been questioned and opposed worldwide.
First, although the Japanese government has said it will treat and dilute nuclear wastewater, there are still certain risks. The nuclear effluent discharged from Fukushima, which had come into direct contact with the core, was initially estimated to contain more than 60 radioactive isotopes, including tritium, carbon-14, cobalt-60, strontium-90, iodine-129, etc. The accumulation of these radioactive materials in humans and ecosystems can cause a range of health problems, such as chronic radiation sickness, thyroid cancer, bone cancer, leukemia, reproductive and genetic variation, etc.
Second, even after treatment and dilution, impacts on marine ecosystems cannot be completely ruled out. For example, even concentrations of radioactive material in diluted nuclear effluent below the lower detection limit can cause chronic effects on marine life. In addition, radioactive material in nuclear sewage can accumulate in marine ecosystems, affecting the marine food chain.
Finally, there is not enough research to support the Japanese government's statement. Although the Japanese government said that it has carried out detailed analysis and evaluation, these data and methods have not been widely recognized and verified by the international community.
In summary, although the Japanese government has stated that the diluted nuclear sewage does not pose a direct threat to marine ecosystems and human health, there are still many uncertainties and risks. Therefore, more research and international cooperation are needed to ensure the safe treatment and discharge of nuclear wastewater.
Changing the current situation requires a multifaceted effort:
Strengthening international cooperation: This is not just a Japanese problem, but a global problem. The international community needs to work together to strengthen regulatory and technical support to ensure the safe treatment of nuclear wastewater.
Transparency: The Japanese government needs to be more transparent and open all data and methods related to the treatment and discharge of nuclear wastewater to international scrutiny and oversight.
Technological innovation: Greater investment and the development of more advanced technologies are needed to ensure the safe treatment and discharge of nuclear wastewater.
Environmental monitoring: Strengthen monitoring of the marine environment to ensure that any possible impacts are detected in a timely manner and that appropriate measures are taken.
Public participation: Strengthen public participation, listen to public opinions and suggestions, and ensure the fairness and legitimacy of the decision-making process.
International law: Comply with international laws and regulations, respect the rights and interests of neighboring countries, and avoid affecting the marine environment and human health of other countries.
Alternatives: Consider other possible treatment and discharge options, such as storing nuclear wastewater in a safe underground facility or converting it into solid waste.
Long-term planning: Develop long-term plans and strategies to ensure the safe management and treatment of nuclear wastewater.
In general, a concerted global effort is needed to strengthen international cooperation, enhance transparency, develop advanced technologies, strengthen environmental monitoring, enhance public participation, comply with international law, consider options and develop long-term plans to ensure the safe treatment and discharge of nuclear effluents without irreversible effects on the environment and human health.