Unveiling Fukushima Daiichi Meltdowns Through Cesium-Rich Microparticles

Abstract

The nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) in March 2011 resulted in partial meltdowns of three reactors. During the meltdowns, a type of condensed particle, a cesium-rich micro-particle (CsMP), formed inside the reactors through unknown processes. This presentation provides an overview of a series of articles that encompass the elucidation of meltdown processes, including the evolution of debris. CsMPs are associated with various nanoparticles derived from irradiated fuel assembly and structural materials, including U dioxide and U-Zr oxide eutectic nanoparticles, Pu, and B isotopes. The studies conducted in the last decade showcase that, despite their small size, radioactive microparticles released during severe accidents can be a crucial source of information when state-of-the-art analytical techniques are applied.