[Reading Science] 'Science' Views on Fukushima Contaminated Water Discharge

International Journal Nature Reported on the 22nd (Local Time)
Updates and Conflicting Views on Progress and Harmfulness

Are the warnings about the risk of releasing contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan into the ocean 'urban legends' or legitimate concerns? In South Korea, fierce debates are ongoing among political circles, academia, and civil society. Amid this situation, the world-renowned scientific journal Nature recently published an article on the topic of Fukushima contaminated water from a scientific perspective, drawing attention. Contrary to some claims that it is an 'urban legend,' the article conveyed the opposing side's logic and concerns as they are.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 22nd (local time), Nature reported an explanatory article titled "Is the discharge of Fukushima wastewater safe? What science says." The subtitle pointed out, "The radiation contained in the wastewater will be diluted to nearly natural background levels, but some researchers are not confident that this is sufficient to dispel the risks."

The article introduced the Japanese government's plan to release the water after this summer, the causes of the contaminated water generation, and the treatment process so far, then presented expert opinions both for and against it. Jim Smith, a professor of environmental science at the University of Portsmouth in the UK, supported the discharge. He argued, "The risk it may pose to Pacific coastal countries is probably negligible," adding, "The nearest Pacific island from Fukushima is 2,000 km away, and in fact, the risks and space shortages caused by storing the water in the current tanks due to earthquakes or typhoons are greater."

However, Nature also reported opposing voices, mentioning South Korea's position first. Some countries, including South Korea, have expressed concerns that the discharge of contaminated water could have unprecedented adverse effects on the marine environment. Notably, South Korea dispatched an investigation team to the Fukushima nuclear power plant in May. Last year, the U.S. National Association of Marine Laboratories (NAML) publicly opposed the Japanese government's safety assessment, citing a lack of scientific and accurate data sufficient to be confident. The Philippine government has also requested Japan to reconsider.

Robert Richmond, a professor of marine biology at the University of Hawaii, stated, "If asked whether those promoting the discharge of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water have sufficiently proven it is safe for the ocean or humans, the answer is 'No.'" He pointed out, "I have reviewed all the data provided by Tokyo Electric Power Company and the Japanese government and visited the Fukushima plant, but concerns about tritium and carbon-14 remain unresolved." Professor Richmond is a member of the advisory board of the Pacific Islands Forum, which consists of 18 countries including Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and French Polynesia, and has been active in analyzing the risks of releasing Fukushima contaminated water into the ocean.

Nature also presented the pros and cons regarding the human health effects of tritium. Tritium emits beta (β) radiation, which can damage human DNA. However, Tokyo Electric Power Company and nuclear experts plan to release water containing tritium at about 1,500 becquerels (Bq) per liter after treatment and dilution. They argue this is safe, as it is only one-seventh of the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard. Additionally, fishing is prohibited within a 3 km radius of the Fukushima contaminated water discharge point, so the possibility of human ingestion is considered low.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the other hand, Professor Richmond expressed concerns about the risk of tritium accumulating through the marine food chain, saying, "If beta-contaminated substances enter the body, internal cells can be exposed to radiation." Shigeyoshi Otosaka, a researcher at the Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute of the University of Tokyo, also said, "Tritium bound to organic matter can accumulate in fish and marine organic materials," adding, "International research is ongoing on the potential accumulation of radioactive nuclides in marine life and what is happening in the seabed off Fukushima after contaminated water is discharged due to the nuclear accident." He emphasized, "Analyzing the long-term effects of radioactive nuclides on the marine ecosystem is very important."

However, Tokyo Electric Power Company maintains the position that the water is harmless. They reported that when fish were raised in seawater containing ALPS-treated water, the tritium levels in their bodies decreased over time to normal levels. Furthermore, when these fish were released into regular seawater, the tritium concentration was confirmed to decrease over time.

Additionally, Nature included Tokyo Electric Power Company's stance that even if a certain amount of tritium is added due to Fukushima contaminated water, it is not problematic given that existing nuclear power plants also release certain amounts of tritium annually during operation, and that the harmfulness will be verified through continuous monitoring of contaminated water. It also mentioned that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) plans to release its final report at the end of this month.