Sociological and Ecological Vulnerabilities from Nuclear Waste Discharge: A Case Study of Fukushima's Marine Ecosystem

Abstract

The dissemination of treated nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean has raised profound ecological and public health concerns. This study examines the sociological effects of nuclear waste discharges on marine ecosystems and human communities, with a particular emphasis on the Fukushima event. Utilizing a combination of existing literature review and secondary data analysis, this study explores the distribution of radionuclides in marine settings, their accumulation in the marine food chain, societal hurdles and the associated health risks for humans. Besides that, the positive nature of coefficients demonstrates that each area measured—health, environment, social, and marine life—worsens with higher volumes of discharged water, highlighting the importance of international standards and effective environmental governance in controlling and reducing the effects of nuclear pollutants. The findings also indicate that the spread of radionuclides, notably tritium and carbon-14, presents sustained ecological and health risks, exacerbated by their long-term presence in the environment and propensity to bioaccumulation. In conclude, Fukushima incident starkly demonstrates the prolonged and intricate effects of nuclear waste discharges on marine ecosystems and human health. Therefore, regulatory enhancements are necessary to uphold strict safety standards and ensure international accountability, thereby boosting public confidence and conforming to global best practices in nuclear safety and environmental protection.