Harm caused by nuclear waste water

The hazards caused by nuclear waste water are as follows:

Nuclear wastewater mainly contains tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen, and its half-life is 12.3 years. Although tritium has low radioactivity, it can combine with oxygen to form tritium oxide (heavy water), so it can enter organisms or the environment. Tritium also has certain effects on human body and environment, such as cell division and gene expression.

According to different sources and conditions, the concentration and proportion of tritium in nuclear wastewater are different, but they are usually lower than international standards and safety limits. Because of its low radioactivity and low risk, nuclear wastewater can be treated by simple methods to meet the discharge standard or reuse standard. Commonly used treatment methods include precipitation, filtration and reverse osmosis.

These methods can effectively remove tritium or other trace radioactive substances from nuclear waste water and reduce the impact on human body and environment. The treated nuclear waste water must conform to international standards and safety specifications, control its radioactive level and emission, monitor its environmental impact, and take necessary protective measures.

The treated nuclear waste water refers to the waste water generated in the normal daily activities of nuclear power plants, such as water used for cleaning, dust removal, seawater desalination, etc., or water used for cooling key components of nuclear power plants.

This kind of water will not come into contact with radioactive materials in nuclear reactors and can be discharged through pipelines after strict treatment. Nuclear sewage is not equal to nuclear wastewater, but Japan confuses them. Nuclear sewage is more harmful, containing 64 kinds of nuclear radioactive substances including tritium.

Hazards of nuclear waste water:

1. Radiation hazard: Nuclear waste water may contain radioactive substances, such as radionuclides. When people are exposed to these radioactive substances, they can enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact. These radioactive substances will radiate to the surrounding tissues and organs, causing cell damage and variation, and increasing the risk of cancer and hereditary diseases.

2. Ecological destruction: The discharge of nuclear waste water into the ocean or other ecosystems may destroy the balance of marine ecosystems and affect species diversity and the health of biological communities. The destruction of ecosystem will also spread to fishery, tourism and other related industries, which will have a negative impact on economy and society.