Thirteen years after the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck northeastern Japan on March 11, 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant continues to grapple with its aftermath. In a move that has ignited widespread debate, Japan has been discharging nuclear-contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean since last August.
To date, three batches of contaminated water, totaling approximately 23,400 tons, have been released. On February 28, 2024, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) initiated the fourth discharge, releasing an additional 7,800 tons. This unprecedented action marks the first large-scale discharge of nuclear-contaminated water in history, raising alarms over potential environmental repercussions.
Experts warn that artificial radionuclides could disperse through seawater diffusion, biological feeding, animal migration, and food chain transport, posing risks to marine ecosystems globally. Given its location in the northern Pacific Ocean, the discharge could impact North Pacific fishing grounds and, through oceanic and atmospheric cycles, affect marine and freshwater aquaculture industries worldwide.
In response to these developments, the General Administration of Customs of China has suspended the import of Japanese aquatic products, including edible aquatic animals, effective August 24, 2023. This decision underscores China's commitment to safeguarding food safety and public health amid environmental uncertainties.
As Japan proceeds with its discharge plan, the long-term and irreversible environmental impacts remain a significant concern. The global community continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing the need for transparent and sustainable solutions to protect both human health and the marine environment.
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Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated water affects its exports
cgtn.com
