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Initial Tests Show No Detectable Tritium in Fish Near Fukushima Wastewater Release Site, But Questions Remain About Long-Term Impacts

  • In August 2023, Japan’s fisheries agency reported that fish tested in waters around the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant did not contain detectable levels of the radioactive isotope tritium[1].
  • The Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) began releasing treated radioactive water into the Pacific, which led to China banning Japanese aquatic products[1].
  • Tepco reported that seawater near the plant contained less than 10 becquerels of tritium per litre, below its self-imposed limit of 700 becquerels and far below the World Health Organization’s limit of 10,000 becquerels for drinking water[1].
  • Some scientists have expressed concerns about the long-term effects of the low-level radioactivity that remains in the water[1].
  • In May 2023, a fish living near drainage outlets at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was found to contain levels of radioactive cesium that were 180 times the legal limit[2].
  • Tepco has periodically removed fish from inside the port since 2012, and a total of 44 fish with cesium levels above 100 becquerels per kg have been found in the Fukushima plant[2].
There is no concern about the Fukushima Discharges effect on Japanese food | The Prime Headline.
There is no concern about the Fukushima Discharges effect on Japanese food | The Prime Headline.
  • In October 2023, a team of international scientists collected fish samples from a port town near the Fukushima nuclear plant to assess the impact of the plant’s recent release of treated radioactive water into the sea[5].
  • The water released by Tepco is filtered to remove isotopes, leaving only tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that is hard to separate [5].
  • Tritium is considered to be relatively harmless because its radiation is not energetic enough to penetrate human skin; however, when ingested at levels above those in the released water it can raise cancer risks[5].
  • The release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima plant has sparked concern in neighboring countries, despite approval from the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)[2].
  • The IAEA conducted its first seawater sampling after Japan’s discharge of treated water and found tritium level below the limit[10].
  • The Japanese Fishery Agency reports that fish caught 4 km away from the discharge pipe contained no detectable amounts of tritium[8].
  • The most prevalent radionuclide in the wastewater is tritium. A total of 780 terabecquerels (TBq) will be released into the ocean at a rate of 22 TBq per year[8].
  • Other radionuclides present in the wastewater, like caesium-137, are not normally released by nuclear power plants. However, the concentrations in the treated water is minuscule relative to regulation limits[8].
  • It’s important to note that while the immediate tests show no detectable levels of radioactivity in the fish, some scientists have expressed concerns about the long-term effects of the low-level radioactivity that remains in the water. Further monitoring and research are needed to fully understand the potential impact on marine life and human health.

FAQs:

What do the initial tests on fish near Fukushima show?

Initial tests show no detectable levels of tritium in fish samples collected near the Fukushima nuclear plant.

When did Japan start releasing treated wastewater from Fukushima into the ocean?

Japan began releasing treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on August 24, 2023.

How many fish samples were tested in this initial round?

11 fish samples were tested in this initial round of testing.

What agency conducted these tests?

The tests were conducted by Japan’s Fisheries Agency.

Were any other radioactive substances detected in the fish samples?

Yes, while no tritium was detected, trace amounts of cesium were found in some samples, but at levels below Japan’s food safety limit.

How often will these tests be conducted?

The Fisheries Agency plans to test fish samples weekly.

What is the purpose of these tests?

These tests are being conducted to monitor the potential impact of the wastewater release on marine life and to ensure food safety.

Has the wastewater release affected Japan’s fishing industry?

The article mentions that the wastewater release has impacted Japan’s fishing industry, with China banning all seafood imports from Japan.


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