Environmental Recovery Research Program(PG1)

Under this program, we are seeking to support the early environmental recovery of disaster areas contaminated with radioactive substances from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident by conducting research on appropriately managing and treating radioactively contaminated waste, and on elucidating the status and movement of radioactive substances in the environment through measurement and simulation, and assessing human radiation doses and impacts on organisms and ecosystems (environmental fate and impact assessment research).

Current (Fourth five-year plan) activities

Radioactive off-site waste Research

Research goals: Develop technologies for radioactive waste volume reduction and interim storage.

Research overview: We are conducting R&D on technologies for reducing the volume of radioactive waste for interim storage and final disposal outside of Fukushima Prefecture, and on solutions to technical issues related to the treatment and disposal of designated wastes etc.

Environmental Behavior and Impact Assessment Research

Research goals: Assess long-term environmental impacts in zones to which evacuees are allowed to return, and develop and apply methods to manage the risks in the living environment.

Research overview: We are researching the movement of radioactive substances in the environment, assessing long-term environmental impacts in zones to which evacuees are allowed to return, developing methods to manage the risks in the living environment, and conducting assessments on ecosystems including ecosystem services.

Previous activities

From immediately after the accident, we launched research on radioactively contaminated waste and environmental fate/impact assessment (multimedia environmental contamination research).

Radioactive off-site waste research

Research overview: Regarding waste and soil contaminated with radioactive substances, we conducted research on the development and evaluation of disposal process control technologies and systems (temporary storage, reduction, recycle, interim storage, final disposal etc.), on methodologies for the long-term management and eventual dismantling and removal of related treatment facilities, and on measurement, analysis and monitoring technologies.

Application of research outcomes, etc.: We contributed to the appropriate treatment and disposal of contaminated waste by providing our research findings to the Ministry of the Environment and other bodies. Our research results were, for example, utilized in formulating technical standards and guidelines for the treatment and disposal of radioactively contaminated waste.

Research of the dynamics of radioactive materials in multimedia environments

Research overview: We conducted research that combined environmental fate measurement with environmental modeling to ascertain and predict future trends in the status and dynamics of watershed environmental contamination with radioactive substances. We also conducted research on the estimation of human radiation exposure and biological impacts of radioactive substances.

Application of research outcomes, etc.: Our research findings have supported scientific aspects of environmental recovery measures being implemented by national and local governments. Our findings regarding the movement and accumulation of radiocesium in watersheds have been used in the formulation of national decontamination guidelines and other materials.

Environmental Recovery Research Program(PG1)