IAEA Initiates Third Marine Sampling Near Fukushima to Monitor ALPS-Treated Water Discharge
SDG 14: Life Below Water | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change | Department of Atomic Energy
The International Atomic Energy Agency has launched its third phase of extensive marine environmental sampling near Japanβs Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station following the onset of the discharge of ALPS-treated water. From 2 to 12 September 2025, IAEA scientists and external experts from France, South Korea, and Switzerland are overseeing the collection of seawater, marine sediments, fish, and seaweed, including samples from a local fish market, to validate Japanβs radiological monitoring data.
These interlaboratory comparison exercises involve homogenizing the samples and distributing them to labs in Japan, as well as IAEA facilities in Monaco and Vienna and ALMERA network laboratories, to assess consistency and accuracy. This mission builds on prior safety reviews, including the July 2023 report affirming that the ALPS-treated water release meets international safety standards with negligible environmental impact.
Results from this latest sampling will be systematically evaluated and publicly released in the second half of 2026, offering independent verification of environmental safety and reinforcing transparency in long-term monitoring of the marine discharge.
ALPS-treated water refers to contaminated reactor cooling water at Fukushima that has been processed through the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) to remove most radionuclides, leaving mainly tritium at levels considered safe for controlled release.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders: How can governments strengthen domestic and international environmental monitoring frameworks to ensure robust, credible data during nuclear-related discharges, while fostering public trust through transparency and third-party validation?
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