"Japanese Nuclear Plant Contaminated Water May Reach Taiwan Offshore Waters in 1 Year and 6 Months"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] A simulation result has shown that if the Japanese government releases contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, it could reach the offshore waters of Taiwan in as soon as 1 year and 6 months.

According to Taiwanese media such as Liberty Times on the 18th, a research team led by Professor He Zhongru (何宗儒) from the Department of Marine Environmental Informatics at National Taiwan Ocean University stated through a simulation video using satellite data that if contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant is discharged daily, it could reach Taiwan's offshore waters in as soon as 1 year and 6 months.

Professor He explained that if the contaminated water is discharged for one year, it flows along the Kuroshio Current toward the central North Pacific; if discharged for four years, it affects the west coast of North America; and if discharged for seven years, the entire North Pacific is impacted.

He also cited a previous simulation by the National Academy of Marine Research (NAMR), explaining that if the discharge location of the contaminated water shifts from 36.3 degrees north latitude to 38.2 degrees north latitude, the time it takes to reach Taiwanese waters could increase from 1 year to 7 years.

Therefore, he explained that the spread of nuclear power plant contaminated water requires a comprehensive evaluation considering discharge location, wind, climate, and other factors to accurately estimate the range and speed.

In this regard, the Atomic Energy Council (AEC), an agency under Taiwan's Executive Yuan, stated that different results may arise from analyses using various data and formats, and expressed respect for the research results from the Ocean University.

They added that they will establish a contaminated water-related platform at NAMR located in southern Kaohsiung (高雄) to conduct monitoring and comprehensive analysis going forward.

Huang Jincheng (黃金城), Deputy Director of Taiwan's Council of Agriculture, stated that the Fisheries Department and Food and Drug Department are strengthening inspections and measurements of marine fish, and so far, there have been no issues.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.