The water was used to cool the plant’s closed nuclear reactors, which release residual heat. Since the accident in the station in 2011, approximately 1.3 million tons of water have accumulated, the tanks are overflowing.
As part of the first batch, it is planned to discharge 7,800 tons of water into the ocean within 17 days. The water passes through a filtration system capable of removing all radioactive materials from it, except for the tritium isotope. In addition, the Japanese authorities have promised that the water will be diluted so that radiation levels are below certain levels. In total, the drainage of water will continue for 30 years, writes BBC News.
After Japan began dumping water, China said it would completely stop importing Japanese seafood “to protect the health of Chinese consumers.” Previously, China banned shipments from Fukushima Prefecture and surrounding areas.
Fishermen from Fukushima also objected to the water release. They were visited by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who said the water diversion was an important step towards dismantling the nuclear power plant and a necessary measure to rebuild the region.
Japan’s plans were supported by the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi. He called it a common practice “certified by the IAEA, approved and practiced in many places around the world.”
Experts explain that the radioactive tritium isotope is heavier than water molecules and will soon sink to the bottom of the ocean.
In March 2011, Japan was hit by an earthquake that caused a powerful tsunami that covered an area of more than 550 square kilometers. As a result, almost 16 thousand people died, and more than two and a half thousand are still missing. An accident occurred at the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant: the melting of nuclear fuel started at once in three reactors. More than 80 thousand people had to be evacuated due to radioactive emissions.
2023-08-24 19:33:50
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