The aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear accident: Measures to contain groundwater contamination

The Science of the Total Environment
Adrian H Gallardo, Atsunao Marui

Abstract

Several measures are being implemented to control groundwater contamination at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. This paper presents an overview of work undertaken to contain the spread of radionuclides, and to mitigate releases to the ocean via hydrological pathways. As a first response, contaminated water is being held in tanks while awaiting treatment. Limited storage capacity and the risk of leakage make the measure unsustainable in the long term. Thus, an impervious barrier has been combined with a drain system to minimize the discharge of groundwater offshore. Caesium in seawater at the plant port has largely dropped, although some elevated concentrations are occasionally recorded. Moreover, a dissimilar decline of the radioactivity in fish could indicate additional sources of radionuclides intake. An underground frozen shield is also being constructed around the reactors. This structure would reduce inflows to the reactors and limit the interaction between fresh and contaminated waters. Additional strategies include groundwater abstraction and paving of surfaces to lower water levels and further restrict the mobilisation of radionuclides. Technical difficulties and public distrust pose an unprecedented challenge to th...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jun 28, 2018·Environmental Science and Pollution Research International·Chetan P S Ahada, Surindra Suthar
Dec 29, 2020·Journal of Environmental Management·Anne M MikelonisJames A Goodrich
Feb 21, 2021·Journal of Hazardous Materials·Jamie M PurkisAndrew B Cundy

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