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