Japan plans to release Fukushima waste water into the ocean
Recommended for Secondary Grades
Japan has announced that it will release more than a million tonnes of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.
What was the Fukushima nuclear incident?
The Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan experienced a disaster in 2011 after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. It was the most severe nuclear accident since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. The disaster caused dangerous nuclear radiation and lakhs of people had to be moved to safety.
Since the incident, the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc (Tepco), has been struggling with the build-up of contaminated water (water that has dangerous chemicals).
Around 1.25 millions tons of such water is now being stored. The cost of storing such water is almost US$1 billion a year. Hence, Japan has decided to release the water.
How does Tepco plan to release the water?
Tepco plans to filter the contaminated water again to remove almost radioactive chemicals. It will also dilute the water. A system known as ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) extracts tonnes of newly contaminated water each day and filters out most radioactive elements. Then, the water will be pumped into the ocean.
Such treated water is actually commonly released from nuclear plants around the world. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has approved the release.
The first Fukushima water release will begin in about two years. It could take decades to complete.
What has been the reaction to the announcement?
Neighbouring countries and fishing communities are criticising the move. Environmental groups say that the government should build more tanks to hold the water instead of releasing it.
However, experts say that with dilution, the treated water poses little risk.
Similar Stories
- Fukushima Reactor: Second Wastewater Dump Begins!
- Radioactive Water Release: Fukushima’s Ocean Threat!
Curious Times is a leading newspaper and website for kids. We publish daily global news aligned to your learning levels (also as per NEP 2020): Foundational, Preparatory (Primary), Middle and Senior. So, check out the News tab for this. We bring kids’ favourite Curious Times Weekly newspaper every weekend with top news, feature stories and kids’ contributions. Also, check out daily JokesPoke, Tongue Twisters, Word of the Day and Quote of the Day, kids need it all the time.
Curious Times News Program for Schools for FREE. Over 5,000 schools and teachers from all over the world have joined our programme so that students and teachers can get FREE Educative Newspaper. Here, kids can take part in world events and win prizes and certificates for free through their schools.
Moreover, schools are sharing important School News, like interviews with the principal, notices about new students, contests, and results, not just on social media but also on a news website for kids and other schools.
Thus, do not wait any further, sign-up for your school for FREE.
The following social media platforms allow you to communicate with us: WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
0 (Please login to give a Curious Clap to your friend.)