Tritium determination in natural water samples in Fukushima from 2022 to 2023 using an ultra-low-level tritium counting system

• DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncae166
• Publication Date: 2024-11-14T11:33:33Z
• Authors: Miklós Hegedűs; Haruka Kuwata; Khemruthai Kheamsiri; Maté Novák; Ryohei Yamada; Naofumi Akata; Tibor Kovács
• Keywords: Environmental radioactivity; Distilled water; Tritiated water; Fukushima Nuclear Accident; Radiation monitoring

Abstract The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident created large stockpiles of tritium containing cooling water, which is to be gradually released into the Pacific Ocean, gaining attention from surrounding countries, environmental groups, and local residents concerned with possibility increasing concentrations in water food cycle. Establishing baseline concentration levels monitoring immission values are important for assuring public safety, providing data scientific research risk communication. Tritium environment very low; therefore, measurements require enrichment order estimate radiation exposure drinking intake provide information on Natural samples were collected at Tomioka Town located south FDNPP. Samples distilled, enriched by electrolysis, re-distilled using an improved SPE method preconcentrate measureable levels. determined a low-background liquid scintillation counter. observed relatively low, rainwater had mean SD value 0.40 ± 0.13 Bq/L, freshwater showed similar concentrations, while brackish coastal below 0.02 Bq/L. this study considered safe as effective doses based annual intake; however, continous necessary assure safety.