Taiwan Continues to Monitor Tritium-Containing Wastewater Discharges from Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant

Strategic Insights -

Tritium-containing wastewater discharges from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan have been ongoing since 2013, with the 13th batch being completed on August 3, 2015. Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) suspended discharges twice during this period due to tornado and tsunami warnings, but no abnormalities were found upon resumption. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the tritium concentration was lower than Japan's committed emission target of 1,500 becquerels per liter. The Central Weather Agency (CMA) of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications issues daily forecasts for the spread of tritium-containing wastewater, while the Nuclear Safety Council carries out marine radiation monitoring through inter-ministerial cooperation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 13th batch of tritium-containing wastewater discharges from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Japan was completed on August 3, 2015, with a total volume of approximately 7,873 cubic meters and a tritium activity of approximately 2.0 megabecquerel.
  • Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) suspended discharges twice during this period due to tornado and tsunami warnings, but no abnormalities were found upon resumption.
  • The tritium concentration was lower than Japan's committed emission target of 1,500 becquerels per liter, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
  • The Central Weather Agency (CMA) issues daily forecasts for the spread of tritium-containing wastewater, with the affected area primarily being the waters off eastern Honshu, Japan, and minimal impact on the waters surrounding Taiwan.
  • Overall seawater tritium concentrations are below the minimum measurable value.
  • The Nuclear Safety Council has carried out marine radiation monitoring with 2,262 marine samples analyzed as of July 27, 2017, and a total of 14,616 marine samples analyzed since 2017.
  • All analysis results show no radiation abnormalities.

Statistics:

  • 7,873 cubic meters of tritium-containing wastewater was discharged during the 13th batch.
  • 2.0 megabecquerel of tritium activity was detected in the discharged wastewater.
  • 13 batches of tritium-containing wastewater have been discharged from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant since August 24, 2013.
  • 2,262 marine samples have been analyzed as of July 27, 2017.
  • 14,616 marine samples, including seawater, marine organisms, and shore sand, have been analyzed since 2017.
  • 1,500 becquerels per liter is Japan's committed emission target for tritium concentration.

Sources:

  • Taipei: Nuclear Safety Commission, Government of Taiwan
  • https://www.nusc.gov.tw/newsdetail/headline/7416.html