Behavior of radionuclides released from the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facility in Rokkasho, Japan, for full-scale operation

Abstract

A commercial type spent nuclear fuel reprocessing facility is being constructed in Rokkasho, Aomori, Japan. The facility is scheduled to start full-scale operation after completion in 2022. When the facility starts operation, radionuclides such as tritium, radiocarbon and I-129 will be released into the atmosphere and ocean. It is necessary to clarify the behavior of radionuclides derived from the facility in environment. We introduce the results of a preliminary survey on the behavior of radionuclides in the environment surrounding the facility, for the full-scale operation.