IAEA Confirms Tritium Levels in 12th Batch of Fukushima Treated Water Well Below Safety Limits

The IAEA, stationed at FDNPS, conducts rigorous and independent on-site testing of water samples before each batch is released.

Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 12th batch of diluted Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS)-treated water, released by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) on April 10, is significantly lower than Japan’s operational safety limit. This latest verification comes as part of the ongoing independent monitoring of the water discharge process at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), where TEPCO has been releasing treated water since August 2023.

The IAEA, stationed at FDNPS, conducts rigorous and independent on-site testing of water samples before each batch is released. According to the most recent analysis, the tritium concentration in the 12th batch of diluted water is well below the operational threshold of 1500 becquerels per liter, which Japan has set as its safety limit. This level is also in line with international safety standards for radiological protection.

This release of treated water is part of a long-term process that is expected to unfold over several decades, with batches being discharged into the Pacific Ocean. Over the course of this operation, the IAEA experts have closely monitored the situation to ensure that no harmful radiological impact occurs to the surrounding environment and human health.

The ALPS-treated water, which has undergone extensive purification to remove most radioactive elements, still contains tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. While tritium cannot be easily separated from water due to its chemical nature, its radiological impact is considered to be negligible at the levels present in the treated water. Tritium also naturally occurs in the environment, and the concentrations being released are far below those found in natural sources.

The 12th batch of water released is just one part of the ongoing discharge process, following a series of prior releases that began with the first batch in August 2023. In total, approximately 86,000 cubic meters of treated water have been safely released in the previous eleven batches, with each batch undergoing strict testing to ensure its safety. According to the IAEA, the tritium levels in all previous batches have been confirmed to be well below the operational limits.

In addition to the continuous testing of each batch before its release, the IAEA conducted a comprehensive safety review in July 2023 before the discharge operations began. This report concluded that Japan’s handling of the treated water aligns with international safety standards. It also stated that the planned release of the water would result in a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment.

The IAEA’s oversight and testing are essential components of ensuring the safety and transparency of this ongoing operation. The agency’s presence at the Fukushima Daiichi site allows for independent verification, bolstering confidence in the safety of the water discharge process. The IAEA has emphasized that this approach reflects the best practices for managing nuclear wastewater and mitigating any potential risks to public health or the environment.

While the water discharge has been met with concern and scrutiny from some local and international groups, the IAEA's consistent findings provide assurance that the procedure is being conducted in accordance with the highest safety standards. Additionally, Japan’s adherence to strict international guidelines ensures that the levels of tritium and other potentially harmful substances remain far below any threshold that could pose a risk to human health or the environment.

As the discharge continues, the IAEA will maintain its monitoring efforts, analyzing each batch before release and issuing regular updates to the public. This ongoing collaboration between Japan, the IAEA, and other stakeholders is critical to maintaining the integrity of the process and ensuring that it remains transparent and scientifically rigorous.

In conclusion, the latest confirmation by IAEA experts that the tritium levels in the 12th batch of treated water are far below operational limits underscores the commitment to safety in the ongoing discharge process at Fukushima Daiichi. The continued monitoring and rigorous testing will ensure that this long-term operation meets international safety standards, providing critical data to inform future nuclear wastewater management practices.