Overview of Advanced Liquid Process System: Circulation of tritiated water in oceanic environment

Authors

  • Haewon Park North Lodon Collegiate School Jeju
  • Yener Ulus Davidson College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v13i2.6671

Keywords:

Advanced Liquid Process System, Environment, Japan, Korea, Nuclear waste, Oceanography, Tritium

Abstract

The recent Japanese disposal of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS)-treated water is controversial. ALPS does not filter tritium. The objectives of this paper are (a) to examine how anthropogenic tritium triggers biological health impacts and (b) to review the circulation of tritiated water into the oceanic territory of the Republic of Korea. I reviewed the possibility of the bioaccumulation of tritium in the oceanic environment and its overall health impact. To be of significant status, they require complex conditions. I also reviewed the simulation of the possible path that disposed   pollutants will take from Fukushima. The simulation was then compared with the measured level of radionuclides around the Republic of Korea's oceanic territory by year. The data is divided into three parts (east, west, and south) and analyzed to check if the trends show any patterns in the level of tritium in the Republic of Korea. The levels checked in three areas showed a partial uniformity, which may be evidence that radionuclides entered the oceanic territory of the Republic of Korea. However, the level of tritium was extremely low compared to the regulations set by the World Health Organization and the Republic of Korea. Thus, the disposal of tritium will be less likely to affect the natural environment. Nevertheless, it is recommended to monitor disposed tritium by a third party, plan for compensation, and conduct intense research on the circulation of tritium to support the prevention of sudden failure of the emission system.

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Author Biography

Yener Ulus, Davidson College

I am an environmental health scientist and biogeochemist in the Environmental Studies Department at Davidson College. I am committed to using scientific research to better understand and solve our various environmental problems, especially chemical pollution. I focus on mercury (Hg) because it is a global pollutant with high neurotoxicity to humans and wildlife.

During my Ph.D., I studied how global climate change (saltwater intrusion and hurricanes) impacts Hg cycling in the coastal wetlands of the Carolinas. As a postdoctoral research associate, I investigated the impact of forest management on microbial Hg methylation in forested wetland watersheds at Santee Experimental Forest in South Carolina.

Overall, I am interested in studying the fate, toxicity, and biomagnification of contaminants in the natural food web of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Here at Davidson College, I teach Environmental Pollution as well as Ecosystem Processes & Biogeochemistry.

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Published

05-31-2024

How to Cite

Park, H., & Ulus, Y. (2024). Overview of Advanced Liquid Process System: Circulation of tritiated water in oceanic environment. Journal of Student Research, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v13i2.6671

Issue

Section

HS Review Articles