The ALPS system and the responsible management of treated water in Fukushima: Security and transparency

Today we will address an important and often debated topic: the safety of the discharge of water treated using the ALPS system at the Fukushima One Nuclear Power Plant.

First of all, it is essential to understand that before it is discharged into the sea, the retained water is subjected to a purification process through the ALPS system. This system has been designed to guarantee that the concentrations of radioactive substances , with the exception of tritium , comply with the regulations established by the recommendations of the ICRP (International Commission on Radiological Protection).

Tritium is the only radioactive material that remains present in ALPS-treated water , as its properties are similar to those of water and it is difficult to completely remove. Given this, measures are taken to dilute the tritium with a large amount of seawater before its discharge, so that the concentration falls significantly below the levels established by the regulations.

According to research and analysis, the annual impact of radiation from ALPS-treated water on the human body is equivalent to a tiny fraction of that experienced in a single round-trip flight between Tokyo and New York. This shows that the radiation levels are very low and do not represent a significant risk to health.

It is important to note that tritium is also naturally present in the environment and is found in the drinking water and food we eat on a daily basis. However, since it is eliminated with water, it does not accumulate in the human body .

Regarding the question whether other nuclear power plants also discharge water containing tritium, the answer is yes. At nuclear facilities around the world, tritium is discharged into rivers and seas, as well as into the atmosphere, following the protocols and regulations established by each country.

The current tritium discharge targets at Fukushima are the same as before the earthquake and tsunami , and are lower than the standards of other countries . This demonstrates the commitment to ensure safe and responsible management of water treated by ALPS.

While it is true that further research and transparent communication on the safety of ALPS-treated water is crucial, the data available so far supports the claim that the controlled discharge of this water into the sea complies with established regulations and represents a minimal risk to human health . It is important to take all these aspects into consideration in order to have a more complete and accurate view of the situation.