The impact and fate of fallout radionuclides by Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident in terrestrial systems and post-accident environmental recovery

Abstract

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident released the largest quantity of radiocaesium into the terrestrial environment since the Chernobyl nuclear accident. We will discuss the deposition and distribution of radionuclides, especially radiocaesium, in the terrestrial environment as a result of the FDNPP accident. Anthropogenic activities such as rice and vegetable cultivation and residential activities in the upstream area have led to a rapid decline in the activity concertation of Cs-137 of suspended sediment (SS) transport in the river network, and these decline directly controls the dissolved Cs-137 concentration in the river water. We outline the environmental and anthropogenic factors that influenced the subsequent transport and impacts of the radionuclides through the environment. The environmental aftermath of the accident at Fukushima is compared to Chernobyl, and the relatively rapid remediation of the Fukushima region relative to the region surrounding Chernobyl will be discussed.