As Japan prepares to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, US oceanographer Ken Buesseler is sounding the alarm about what he calls ‘incomplete testing protocols.’ The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researcher, who has monitored Fukushima’s coastal waters for a decade, argues current data fails to address long-term ecological risks.
‘The focus has been on tritium levels, but other isotopes like strontium-90 and carbon-14 aren’t being adequately measured,’ Buesseler told myglobalnews.net. His team’s findings suggest contamination patterns could shift unexpectedly due to ocean currents, potentially affecting marine life and fishing industries across the Pacific.
Japanese officials maintain their discharge plan meets international safety standards, with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approving the approach in 2023. However, Buesseler stresses transparency gaps: ‘Without third-party verification and real-time monitoring, public trust will remain fractured.’
The debate highlights growing tensions between rapid environmental solutions and precautionary science, as climate-conscious young activists demand proof of sustainable practices. With 1.3 million cubic meters of water already stored at Fukushima, the clock is ticking for global cooperation on nuclear safety frameworks.
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U.S. oceanographer questions the data of Fukushima wastewater
cgtn.com
