Radioactive impact in South Korea from the damaged nuclear reactors in Fukushima: evidence of long and short range transport

Abstract

Traces of long-lived fallout-derived radioisotopes ((134)Cs and (137)Cs) were found in wet and dry deposition samples collected from the west and east coasts of South Korea from March to May 2011 following the release of radionuclides from the damaged nuclear power plants in Fukushima, Japan. The analysis of air mass back trajectory and atmospheric pressure systems indicated that the Fukushima-derived radiocaesium had predominantly reached South Korea from the west by surface westerlies from 11 March to 5 April; however, after 6 April, air masses arrived from Japan directly due to a high pressure system that developed to the east of Japan. Spatial variation of deposition fluxes of radiocaesium in South Korea was partly attributed to the presence of local longitudinal orography.

Combined use of stable isotopes and fallout radionuclides as soil erosion indicators in a forested mountain site, South Korea

“…To date, artificial fallout radionuclides (e.g. 137 Cs, 90 Sr, 239 + 240 Pu) in Korean soils or sediments have been investigated mostly through radioecological studies and surveys in terrestrial and marine environments (Lee et al, 1997(Lee et al, , 1998Park et al, 2004), to assess the environmental impacts of Korean nuclear power plants (NPP) (Cha et al, 2006), to date sediment and evaluate sedimentation in ponds and lakes (Nahm et al, 2010) and to evaluate the radioactive fallout associated with the recent accident of the Fukushima NPP (Hong et al, 2012;Kim et al, 2012). However the use of FRN and especially 137 Cs as a soil erosion tracer for assessing soil erosion rates is scarce in Korea (Menzel et al, 1987).…”

Eddy- and wind-sustained moderate primary productivity in the temperate East Sea (Sea of Japan)

“…Significant energy is introduced into the East/Japan Sea by inflow conditions through the Korea Strait, in particular to the Ulleung Basin in the southwestern part of the sea, and the intrusion of the Tsushima Warm Current into the sea and the bottom geomorphology of the sea favor eddy formation. Moreover, the sea is subject to winds that vary over 3 to 4 days, as it is located to the eastern side of the Eurasian Continent (e.g., Hong et al, 2012). Therefore, the interaction between eddies and the wind plays a critical role in sustaining the high primary productivity in the sea during summer when the surface water becomes otherwise depleted of nutrients.…”

Protesting policy and practice in South Korea’s nuclear energy industry

“…Somewhat surprising, however, was that Japan's nearest neighbour, South Korea, reacted to the complete contrary. Despite the fact that Korean territory was subject to some of the nuclear fallout from Fukushima (see Hong et al 2012), the South Korean government proceeded to ratchet up its nuclear energy program post-3/11 and pushed ahead with plans to become a major exporter of nuclear technology. Indeed, within only months of Japan's disaster, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak reiterated his administration's goal of doubling the number of domestic reactors, and reaffirmed nuclear technology as a primary export focus.…”