The seawater is contaminated by nuclear substances.
“Chemical reactions of nuclear - contaminated water”
Chemical Properties of Radioactive Substances
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Accelerated Radioactive Decay Treatment
Dissolved Substances in Nuclear - Contaminated Water and Chemical Equilibrium
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Precipitation Method for Radioactive Substances Based on Chemical Equilibrium
Chemical Separation and Detection Methods of Elements in Nuclear - Contaminated Water
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Ion - Exchange Method for Removing Radioactive Ions
“Treatment Technologies of Nuclear - contaminated Water”
Physical Treatment Methods
Filtration
Japan uses high-precision filters to remove impurities and ion-exchange resins to adsorb cesium ions.
adsorption
ion exchange
distillation
Chemical Treatment Methods
Precipitation method
Precipitation of strontium ions with carbonate and reducing radioactive toxicity through redox reactions.
redox method
neutralization method
Biological Treatment Methods
Microbial remediation
phytoremediation
Bacteria reduce uranium ions; sunflowers in Chernobyl absorb cesium-137.
“Pollution treatment increases economic pressure.”
Damage to Agriculture and Fisheries
Product Quality Decline
Industry Shrinkage
Severe Blow to Tourism
Image Collapse
Industry Stagnation
Real Estate Value Plummeting
Dwelling Demand Slump
Impact on Commercial and Industrial Real Estate
Energy Industry Changes and Cost Increase
Setback for the Nuclear Energy Industry
Higher Cost of Alternative Energy
Surge in Medical and Social Security Expenditure
Soaring Disease Treatment Costs
Heavier Social Security Burden
“Polluted organisms have an impact on human health.”
Increased Cancer Risk
Radioactive substances damage DNA, triggering cancers like thyroid cancer and leukemia, leading to an increased incidence.
Example
Thyroid Cancer Cases after the Fukushima Nuclear Accident
Genetic Disease Risks
Damages germ - cell DNA, passes on mutations, increasing risks of congenital deformities and genetic diseases.
Example
Genetic Disease Cases after the Chernobyl Nuclear Accident
Immune System Impairment
Disrupts the immune system, affects white blood cells, reduces resistance, and may trigger autoimmune diseases.
Example
Increased Infection Frequency among Residents around Nuclear Facilities
Reproductive System Disorders
Reduces sperm quality and quantity in men, disturbs ovarian function in women, increasing pregnancy risks.
Example
Reproductive Problem Cases in Nuclear - Contaminated Areas
Nervous System Problems
Damages the nervous system, causing headaches, dizziness, etc., and increasing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Example
Nervous System Symptoms among Residents after Nuclear Accidents
“The leakage of nuclear waste leads to marine pollution.”
Nuclear accidents
Chernobyl Nuclear Accident
Time:
April 26, 1986.
Location:
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the territory of Ukraine of the former Soviet Union (now near the town of Pripyat, Ukraine).
Impacts:
Environmental Pollution
Health Threats
Global Attention
Fukushima Nuclear Accident
Time:
March 11, 2011.
Location:
The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.
Impacts:
Environmental Pollution
Health Threats
Energy Policy Adjustment
Nuclear tests
Pollution Incidents Caused by Nuclear Tests at Bikini Atoll
Ecosystem Destruction
Human Health Hazards
Pollution at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site
Environmental Deterioration
Residents' Health Impaired
Improper disposal of nuclear waste: This leads to the leakage of pollutants into the ocean.
The Problem of Nuclear Waste Disposal at Fukushima, Japan
The Nuclear Leakage Accident at the Sellafield Nuclear Waste Reprocessing Plant in the UK
“The spread of pollution affects the survival of marine life.”
Gene Mutation and Abnormal Development
Radioactive substances in nuclear - contaminated water damage marine organisms' DNA，causing gene mutations and deformities like abnormal fish fins and shells
Impaired Reproductive Capacity
Harmful substances destroy reproductive cells, disrupt hormone secretion, reducing the reproductive rate of marine organisms and hindering reproduction.
Retarded Growth and Development
It affects algae's photosynthesis and metabolism, and blocks nutrient absorption and functions of marine animals, slowing growth and delaying sexual maturity.
Increased Susceptibility to Diseases
Weakens the immune systems of marine organisms, reducing immune activity and making them more vulnerable to pathogens.
Niche Shift and Change in Species Competition Relationship
Some organisms migrate or die due to pollution, while resistant ones expand, altering the species competition pattern.
“International Regulations and Standards for Nuclear - contaminated Water Discharge”
《United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea》
Key Content
Requires countries to protect the marine environment and prevent, reduce, and control pollution.
Regulation on Nuclear Wastewater Discharge
Japan’s discharge violates Article 192 (obligation to protect), Article 194 (obligation to prevent pollution), Article 195 (prohibition of transferring pollution), and Article 207 (control of land-based pollution).
《Convention on Nuclear Safety》
Key Content
Ensures high safety standards for nuclear facilities and requires regular reporting on compliance.
Regulation on Nuclear Wastewater Discharge
Though focused on nuclear facilities, Japan has obligations for wastewater safety. Its discharge violates the convention’s principles.
《Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter》
Key Content
Prevents the dumping of waste and harmful substances into the sea to protect the marine environment.
Regulation on Nuclear Wastewater Discharge
Nuclear wastewater is classified as highly radioactive waste unsuitable for dumping. Japan’s discharge violates Article 1 of this convention.