Daily Current Affairs : 26-September-2023
In a move that has stirred strong public and international criticism, Japan initiated the release of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. This decision, announced in 2021, is a response to the growing challenges of managing the immense volume of wastewater produced as a result of the catastrophic 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Key Details
Japan’s government unveiled its plan to gradually release more than one million tonnes of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea over the next 30 years. This wastewater is a direct consequence of the tragic events in 2011 when an earthquake and tsunami disabled the nuclear plant, leading to the release of radioactive materials. Despite more than a decade of storing this wastewater, Japan asserts that they are running out of storage space and that the treated water is now safe for release.
Criticism
Since the 2021 announcement, a significant portion of both domestic and international public opinion has vehemently opposed this decision. Critics argue that the release of radioactive materials into the sea poses substantial health risks, especially to countries heavily reliant on seafood.
Water Treatment
The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), Japan’s largest electric utility firm, is responsible for treating the contaminated water. They employ various techniques, with the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) being a notable one, capable of removing 62 types of radioactive materials. However, it is crucial to note that tritium, a radioactive isotope, cannot be completely removed from the water due to its chemical similarity to hydrogen.
Why Tritium Can’t Be Removed
Tritium’s indistinguishable chemical properties from hydrogen make its removal from wastewater an extremely challenging task, if not impossible.
Safety of the Water
Experts argue that the levels of radiation in the treated wastewater are not alarmingly high. Nonetheless, there is evidence that even low-level radiation exposure can be harmful to both humans and the environment. Tritium, particularly when present in the form of tritiated water, is easily absorbed by living organisms, potentially posing developmental risks when ingested by pregnant women. Despite the contention, Japan asserts that releasing the water is the only viable option due to space constraints around the plant and the potential for leakages.
Way Forward
Japan plans to release the treated wastewater gradually over the next three decades while monitoring seawater radiation levels closely. To address concerns among fishers who may experience business losses due to public fears, the government has allocated 80 billion yen for compensation. Furthermore, Japan aims to revitalize its nuclear power plant industry, seeking to stabilize the energy sector. Before the 2011 earthquake, nuclear reactors met 30% of the country’s electricity needs. However, the reliance on nuclear power has dwindled to less than 10% in recent years.
Important Points:
Key Details:
- Japan plans to release over one million tonnes of contaminated water from Fukushima into the sea over 30 years.
- The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was disabled by a 2011 earthquake and tsunami, resulting in the release of radioactive materials.
- Japan cites storage space constraints and claims the treated water is now safe for release.
Criticism:
- Strong public and international opposition to the decision.
- Concerns about health risks, particularly for countries reliant on seafood.
Water Treatment:
- Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is responsible for treating the water.
- The Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) is used to remove 62 types of radioactive materials.
- Tritium, a radioactive isotope, cannot be completely removed due to its chemical similarity to hydrogen.
Safety of the Water:
- Experts suggest that radiation levels in the treated water are not alarmingly high.
- Low-level radiation exposure can still be harmful to humans and the environment.
- Tritium, in the form of tritiated water, can pose developmental risks when ingested by pregnant women.
Why Tritium Can’t Be Removed:
- Tritium’s chemical similarity to hydrogen makes its removal from wastewater extremely challenging.
Why In News
Facing significant public and international criticism, Japan initiated the controversial release of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean. This decision sparked widespread concern about potential environmental repercussions and strained diplomatic relations with neighboring nations.
MCQs about Japan’s Fukushima Water Release Debate
-
What is the primary reason for Japan’s decision to release contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea?
A. To reduce environmental pollution
B. Due to space constraints around the plant
C. As a response to international pressure
D. To increase fishery production
-
Why is it challenging to completely remove tritium from the Fukushima wastewater?
A. Tritium has a long half-life
B. Tritium is chemically similar to hydrogen
C. Tritium is highly radioactive
D. Tritium is present in large quantities
-
What is the primary concern regarding the safety of releasing the treated Fukushima wastewater into the sea?
A. High levels of radiation
B. Tritium contamination in seafood
C. Impact on marine life
D. Lack of proper monitoring
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
