Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Research Articles

Enhancing Resilience through Nuclear Emergency Preparedness at El Dabaa Site

The research utilized advanced PCTRAN and RASCAL software to evaluate the potential radiological impacts of hypothetical accidents, specifically loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) and long-term station blackout (LTSBO), at the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant. Over a span of ten years, comprehensive meteorological data were meticulously analyzed to assess the dispersion of radioactive substances within a 40-kilometer radius across all four seasons. The outcomes revealed that only in the case of LTSBO did the radiological levels surpass the limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Notably, during spring, LTSBO exhibited a maximum total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) value of 13 millisieverts (mSv) at a distance of 3.2 kilometers, and the highest thyroid dose (TD) recorded was 63 mSv at 8 kilometers. These significant findings play a crucial role in shaping strategies related to the distribution of potassium iodide (KI) and further enhance the overall preparedness and evacuation planning protocols.

ACİL SERVİS PERSONELLERİNİN KİMYASAL, BİYOLOJİK, RADYASYON VE NÜKLEER ACİLLERE HAZIRLIK DÜZEYLERİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the chemical, biological, radiation, and nuclear (CBRN) emergency preparedness levels of emergency department (ED) personnel. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive survey study was conducted with 49 emergency department personnel (emergency medicine specialists, emergency medicine research assistants, nurses, and nursing staffs) working in the ED of a university hospital through face-to-face. The questionnaire was created by the researchers and consisted of 5 demographic and 30 CBRN preparation information, 12 questions questioning the previous practice and educational status of CBRN subjects. The preparedness level of the participants was determined by evaluating the CBRN preparedness level responses. Results: The Cronbach's Alpha reliability index obtained for the CBRN scale was obtained as α=0,856 for the whole scale and this value shows that the reliability of the whole scale is at a good level. The mean preparedness level score of the ED personnel is 59,7 (min-max:24-81). The mean CBRN preparedness level score of emergency medicine specialists (38) was found to be lower than the other groups. The number of those who received training on CBRN situations and medical management of cases during their professional training (bachelor-master- doctorate education) is 18 (36,7%). Most of the participants didn’t participate in any CBRN exercise during their professional life (n=43, 87,8%). Conclusion: ED personnel's preparations for CBRN emergencies are insufficient. Their participation in training and exercises for the medical management of CBRN cases is low. Our study can be used as a tool to determine the CBRN preparations of ED personnel.

Studi Penerapan General Safety Requirement Part 7 IAEA untuk PLTN Apung

Land use is a growing concern due to population growth, infrastructure development, and the decline of forestry and agricultural sectors, with the energy sector, including nuclear power plant (NPP) construction, gaining prominence. Because of this, more and more nuclear power plant designs are being developed, including the floating nuclear power plant. Behind the benefits, one of the safety aspects that must be fulfilled in nuclear power plant design is nuclear emergency preparedness and response. The Nuclear Energy Supervisory Agency (Bapeten) is currently preparing a revision of Government Regulation Number 2 of 2014 concerning the Safety and Security of Nuclear Installations and Regulation of the Head of Bapeten Number 1 of 2010 concerning Nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Management, which contains nuclear emergency preparedness and response. As an international atomic energy agency, the IAEA has also published General Safety Requirements (GSR) Part 7 concerning Preparedness and Response For a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency. Considering the different complexities and challenges, it is necessary to study the implementation of GSR Part 7 on floating nuclear power plants, which can provide input for revising these regulations. This paper was prepared to elaborate on the application of GSR Part 7 for this nuclear power plant design. From the results of the study, it was found that several things need to be implemented for the design of the floating nuclear power plant, such as the nuclear emergency zone, nuclear emergency expansion zone, public communication, and handling of radioactive waste. Keywords: NPP, Floating NPP, preparedness of nuclear emergency,response fornuclear emergency

Studi Keselamatan PLTN dalam Sistem Hibrida Tenaga Nuklir dan Energi Terbarukan

Electricity demand in Indonesia is steadily increasing, and it is predicted to reach 390 TWh with 103.06 million customers by 2030. However, Indonesia is also committed to addressing climate change through Act Number 16 of 2016, which ratifies the Paris Agreement to the United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change. Therefore, it is essential to ensure stable and environmentally friendly energy availability to meet people's needs. One proposed solution is the Nuclear-Renewable Energy Hybrid System (NREHS), which combines Nuclear Power Plants to meet the base load of electricity and other renewable energy sources for energy storage that will be used for the peak electricity load. This system has numerous benefits, particularly regarding environmental friendliness and economic value. However, due to the use of nuclear power in the system, specific attention needs to be paid to nuclear safety issues. This paper describes various safety issues that must be considered when implementing this system. The study analyzed the relationships and influences of nuclear power plants (NPPs) and other power generators concerning safety. This analysis was conducted by referencing international documents and standards regarding external hazards and relevant safety literature in different power generation facilities such as solar and wind power plants. From the studies conducted, it was found that several aspects of nuclear safety must be considered in this system, including external events, Optimization of Specifications for Other Power Plants for Nuclear Reactors, Handling Non-Nuclear Consequences in Nuclear Accidents, and Nuclear Emergency Preparedness and Response. Keywords: NPP, Renewable Energy, Nuclear Safety, Renewable Energy Hybrid System

Reduction of thyroid radioactive iodine exposure by oral administration of cyclic oligosaccharides

Alpha-cyclodextrin, a six d-glucose cyclic oligosaccharide, has several applications in food and pharmaceuticals, but has also been reported to retain iodine in a stable manner for 16 months. Radioactive iodine, which may cause thyroid cancer and hypofunction, must be properly managed. If the absorption of radioactive iodine is suppressed, it can be expected to lead to a reduction in thyroid exposure. This study clarified the inhibition of radioactive iodine absorption by the oral administration of α-cyclodextrin in a murine model using direct measurement of single photon emission computed tomography. The uptake of radioactive iodine into the thyroid gland in mice administered with radioactive iodine and an α-cyclodextrin solution was approximately 40% lower after 24 h. The finding that oral uptake of α-cyclodextrin has an inhibitory effect on the transfer of radioactive iodine to the thyroid gland has potential for application in many fields such as food, pharmaceuticals, nuclear emergency preparedness, and medicine.

Analysing the performance of radiological monitoring network during nuclear accidents

JRODOS was used to simulate the dispersion of airborne radioactive material from a point source over the period 2012–2015. In total, 1331 radioactive plumes were simulated with the objective to investigate the influence of changes in meteorological conditions in the performance of the monitoring network. For this purpose, the existing set of 84 monitoring stations included in the EUropean Radiological Data Exchange Platform (EURDEP) system in an area of 200 km around the source point is taken as reference. A methodology is presented for quantitative evaluation of the variability of the number of stations affected, the time of the first detection, the maximum registered and differences between the maximum values match in the network and in the simulated plumes. The results show seasonal differences in all of these parameters according to changes in the size and shape of the affected area due to meteorological conditions. There are large differences in the number of monitoring stations affected by the plumes, from 2 to 74; in the timing and location of the first alert given by the network, from 1 to more than 5 h and faster along the west-east axis from the source; and in level of maximum gamma dose rate detected by the monitoring stations, from 0.17 nSv/h in summer to 0.22 nSv/h in autumn. These results show the need to consider this type of analysis over the years in the design of monitoring networks and in the development of nuclear emergency preparedness and response (EP&R) plans.

Could virtual volunteerism enhance information resilience in a nuclear emergency? The potential role of disaster knowledge workers and virtual emergent groups

Informal volunteerism in its various forms is on the rise in the safety and security arena. This study focuses on a new mode of informal volunteerism, virtual volunteerism. The study uses the complex context of a nuclear emergency to explore (1) the extent to which informal volunteerism, in the form of virtual volunteerism, can develop information resilience and (2) the problems and challenges involved. The study relies on interview data gathered from 18 Finnish public authorities and NGO actors working in expert or managerial positions connected to nuclear emergency response. The study results suggest that informal virtual volunteerism could play a role in the development of information resilience in the society. However, as suggested in previous studies, virtual volunteerism could be a double-edged sword. There is a real risk of mis- and disinformation because of the volatile times in which we live. The identified risk sparked a debate on the inclusion and exclusion of unaffiliated disaster knowledge workers and virtual emergent groups in nuclear emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.

A simulation system of radiation field and its detection for nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response training

Appropriate training of the related personnel is one of the most important aspects in nuclear and radiological emergency preparedness and response. The use of simulation training could provide the trainees learning experience of a lifelike, hands-on scenario without associated radiation safety restrictions. In this study, we established a radiation field simulation system that includes two separate parts. For small-area radiation field simulation, a set of simulation sources and detectors was designed based on ultra wide band distance measurement technology. For large-area field simulation, a Gaussian plume model was used to simulate the dispersion of released radioactive aerosols and calculate the consequent radiation field. Also, a Global Position System positioning and wireless transmission technique was used for simulation instruments’ data acquisition. This system could create a verisimilar but also safe and radiation-free environment and can be used in the training of nuclear emergency first responders, rescue teams or radiation protection personnel.

Effective population monitoring for determination of the thyroidal radioiodine content of the public following a nuclear accident in Japan

After a nuclear accident, population monitoring is necessary to determine the radiation exposure levels of the affected population. One of the monitoring components is direct thyroid measurements to assess the internal thyroid dose (mainly from 131I with a relatively short physical half-life: 8.02 days). These measurements are particularly important for young children but were not adequately performed after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident. Herein we propose a feasible and robust method to obtain as much reliable human data as possible for the dose reconstructions following a nuclear accident. The method employs three types of measurements: simplified, additional, and detailed measurements. The simplified measurements are performed using conventional NaI(Tl) survey meters to quickly triage heavily exposed individuals. The additional measurements are conducted using mobile whole-body counters to detect cesium (Cs; with longer retention in the body) as a tracer of 131I. And the detailed measurements are taken using spectrometric devices; they provide the most reliable data and are used to confirm the other measurements. We also discussed the target subjects and the monitoring period based on the experiences gained following the FDNPP accident. The early post-nuclear-accident phase is the most important period for the dose reconstruction for the affected populations; however, it is also the most challenging period in terms of allocating the necessary monitoring resources. It is thus vital that all countries that operate nuclear power plants establish and maintain a system for nuclear emergency preparedness and response.

Consequences of marine ecological environment and our preparedness for Fukushima radioactive wastewaterdischarge into the ocean

<p indent="0mm">Ten years after the Fukushima nuclear accident (FNA), Japan announced the planned discharge of over one million tons of Fukushima radioactive wastewater (FRW) into the Pacific Ocean in two years. This decision regarding FRW disposal has aroused worldwide concerns and public fears, which may be exacerbated by reputational damage and the lack of a clear public understanding of the possible adverse impacts of the FRW. As one of the countries surrounding the Pacific Ocean, China is a stakeholder in this decision regarding the FRW disposal. In this study, we compared the FRW source and its associated radionuclide components with the liquid effluent from routine operation of the nuclear power plant and its associated radionuclides. The activity concentrations of 13 radionuclides in the pre- and post-treated FRW by the Advanced Liquid Processing Systems (ALPS) were quantitatively compared with limits for radionuclide concentrations required by Japan law, guidance levels for radionuclides in drinking water provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), and baseline concentrations of radionuclides in surface seawater from the Pacific Ocean before the FNA. Sediment-seawater distribution coefficients and bioconcentration factors are also shown to provide insights into the mobility and biological availability of radionuclides derived from the FRW in the marine environment. Although 62 radionuclides can be recovered from the FRW by ALPS according to a report from the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), a large amount of ³H remains in the ALPS-treated FRW. The total amount of ³H in the ALPS-treated FRW was approximately <sc>8.6×10¹⁴ Bq</sc> (by October 31, 2019), with an average concentration of <sc>7.3×10⁵ Bq/L,</sc> higher than the concentration limit <sc>(6×10⁴ Bq/L)</sc> required by Japan law and guidance level <sc>(10⁴ Bq/L)</sc> provided by the WHO. The amount of ³H in the ALPS-treated FRW <sc>(8.6×10¹⁴ Bq</sc> by October 31, 2019) is continually increasing, and is already higher than the amount of ³H (3×10¹⁴<sc>‒7×10¹⁴ Bq)</sc> released into the Pacific Ocean immediately after the FNA. Additionally, other radionuclides (e.g., ¹⁴C, ⁹⁰Sr, ¹²⁹I, etc.) in the ALPS-treated FRW with high bioconcentration factors and high activity-dose conversion factors relative to ³H should also be carefully monitored and evaluated. The measured results provided by the TEPCO indicated that ~70% of the current ALPS-treated FRW should be repurified to reduce concentrations of other radionuclides to meet Japan’s legal requirements. Despite several unresolved factors (e.g., the FRW source terms, discharging plan, hydrodynamic and biogeochemical processes, etc.) simultaneously influencing the fate of FRW in the marine environment, we qualitatively described the hydrodynamically driven passive transport pathway and the biologically driven active transport pathway of the FRW. The transport of the FRW should be comprehensively investigated from the perspective of physical-biogeochemical processes at multiple scales (e.g., large-scale wind-driven circulation, mesoscale eddies, small-scale turbulence) and three-dimensional (e.g., vertical and horizontal vectors) oceans. Key gateways and transport pathways relevant to the FRW entry into the China seas have been suggested to include the Luzon Strait, the outer continental shelf and cross-shelf penetrating fronts in the East China Sea, the Yellow Sea Warm Current, and the Korean Coastal Current. Under specific conditions, the neglected biologically driven active transport pathway may significantly accelerate transport speed for the FRW-derived radionuclides via migratory animals (e.g., Pacific bluefin tuna) and may impose relatively high radiological risk to humans via seafood consumption. Finally, the consequences of marine ecological environment and our preparedness for the FRW release were discussed from the perspectives of total radioactivity, radionuclide components in the FRW, transport pathways of the FRW, and enhancing capacity to meet radiological risk assessment needs. Nuclear power plants located near the coastal seas are gradually developing in China and play a significant role in China’s national strategy of “Carbon Neutrality”. Technical systems of measurement, tracer, and assessment of radionuclides in the marine environments should be given more attention and be continually enhanced in line with the development of nuclear power plants. Several directions including extremely low minimum detection activity for the analytical methods of radionuclides, buoy-based online and real-time measurement technology for marine radioactivity, construction and validation of numerical models for marine radioactivity, key marine biogeochemical processes for radionuclides, radiation dose-effect for marine biotas, radiological assessment models, and remediation technology for radionuclides in marine environments are emphasized as key technologies in nuclear emergency preparedness to protect marine environment security.

Analysis of gross radioactivity in drinking water around Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant from 2016 to 2018

Objective To understand the background level of total radioactivity in drinking water around Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant. Methods According to the original plan of the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, the monitoring of gross α and gross β radioactivity levels in drinking water during dry and rain periods around Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant, and water samples were collected including source water, factory water, peripheral water and reservoir water. Results A gross of 200 water samples were monitored at 35 sampling sites from 2016 to 2018. The gross α and gross β radioactivity levels in the dry period were (0.038 ± 0.033) Bq/L and (0.11 ± 0.03) Bq/L. The gross α and gross β radioactivity levels in the wet period were (0.038 ± 0.024) Bq/L and (0.11 ± 0.03) Bq/L. There were statistically significant differences in gross α and gross β radioactivity levels between the source water and the other water during the dry season ( P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in gross α and gross β radioactivity levels in different years ( P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in gross α and gross β radioactivity levels at different distances from the nuclear power plant ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The gross α level and gross β level of radioactivity in drinking water around Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant are in line with the standard of drinking water, regular, fixed and continuous monitoring should be carried out, and radionuclide monitoring and radiological investigation should be carried out on this basis. In view of the density of personnel in the vicinity of nuclear power plants in China, nuclear emergency preparedness training should also be strengthened. 摘要： 目的 了解田湾核电站周边的饮用水中总放射性本底水平。 方法 根据原国家卫生计划委员会方案要求在田 湾核电站周围开展枯水期、丰水期饮用水中总 α、总 β 放射性水平监测, 采集水样包括水源水、出厂水、末梢水及水库 水。 结果 2016—2018 年共 35 个采样点监测水样 200 份。枯水期总 α、总 β 放射性水平分别为 (0.038 ± 0.033) Bq/L、(0.11 ± 0.03) Bq/L, 丰水期总 α、总 β 放射性水平分别为 (0.038 ± 0.024) Bq/L、(0.11 ± 0.03) Bq/L。枯水期的水源水其 他水中总 α、总 β 放射性水平差异有统计学意义 ( P < 0.05)。不同年份的水中总 α、总 β 放射性水平差异有统计学意义 ( P < 0.05)。距核电站不同距离的水中总 α、总 β 放射性水平差异有统计学意义 ( P < 0.05)。 结论 田湾核电站周边的 饮用水中总 α、总 β 放射性水平均符合生活饮用水标准, 应坚持定期、定点、持续开展监测, 并在此基础上开展放射性 核素监测和放射生态学调查等研宄。考虑到我国核电站周边人员密集, 应加强人员的核应急培训。

The imaginary and epistemology of disaster preparedness: The case of Japan's nuclear safety failure

The Fukushima nuclear disaster was profoundly a man-made one, resulting from the organizational failure of nuclear emergency preparedness. To fully understand the cause of this disaster, I propose to extend an organizational perspective on disasters into a macro-institutional perspective on disaster preparedness. To this end, I borrow from science and technology studies the concepts of "sociotechnical imaginary" and "civic epistemology" to probe the deepest layers of meaning-making constitutive of disaster preparedness. I then apply these concepts to the history of nuclear energy in postwar Japan that was centered on the developmental state pursuing industrial transformation. Specifically, I illustrate how the "pacifist imaginary" emphasized positive contributions of "the peaceful use of nuclear energy," legitimating a priori the promotion of nuclear power as a means of economic development; and how the "technocratic epistemology" invoked the superior competencies of state bureaucrats and expert advisers, legitimating post hoc their disregard for the possibility of a severe accident. The imaginary and epistemology thus enabled the developmental state to pursue pro-nuclear policy by securing acquiescence from the majority of citizens and discrediting the minority of antinuclear activists – until the earthquake and tsunami exposed the preparedness failure in March 2011.

Structural Ignorance of Expertise in Nuclear Safety Controversies: Case Analysis of Post-Fukushima Japan

This study sheds new light on nuclear risk governance from a sociological perspective by analyzing cases of post-Fukushima controversies on nuclear safety and nuclear emergency preparedness in Japan. By critically analyzing how the three risk-related concepts and methodologies, namely, probabilistic risk assessment, safety goals, and the System for Prediction of Environmental Emergency Dose Information, have been interpreted, implemented, and/or abandoned before and after the Fukushima accident, this study identifies three common features that characterize Japan’s nuclear risk governance: avoiding critical conflicts, proclivity toward automated decision making, and strategic overlooking of “uncomfortable knowledge.” These features all involve ignorance of the dynamic nature of safety where addressing uncertainties, heterogeneous knowledge, and incommensurable values can be key for continuously reviewing the existing edifice of safety. By elucidating why such ignorance persists in Japan despite the post-accidental drastic reform, the authors both articulate the deep-rooted structure that underlies it and reflects the societal and historical context, and eventually conceptualize this ignorance as “structural ignorance” of expertise in nuclear safety controversies and policy processes. The results also provide direction for further research to solve this structural problem.

Knowledge and attitudes of the BNPB leaders towards nuclear disaster threat in Indonesia: expectation and reality – ICDM 2020

The Utilization of nuclear technology has an inherent risk due to its radiation hazards that may trigger nuclear technology failure disasters. The government agency designated for coordinating disasters management activities in Indonesia is BNPB. As knowledge on nuclear hazards will influence attitudes and concerns for preparedness towards nuclear disaster, the research aimed to analyse the knowledge and attitudes of the BNPB leaders towards nuclear disaster threat in Indonesia. A case study qualitative method was used to explore and analyse the knowledge and attitudes of the BNPB leaders towards nuclear disaster threat in Indonesia. The research used knowledge and attitudes indicators for dealing with nuclear disaster threat derived from the natural disaster preparedness parameters, developed by LIPI-UNESCO / ISDR (2006), and the nuclear emergency preparedness requirements, develop by the IAEA (2015). In general, the results showed that the knowledge and attitudes of the BNPB leaders are sufficient (56.25%). While knowledge of causes, potential, types of events that may trigger nuclear disaster is sufficient, on the other hand, the attitudes towards nuclear disaster risk is still deficient. Thus, increasing the knowledge and attitudes on nuclear disaster threat, there is a need BNPB to enhance its role as the disaster coordinator to include coordination of exchange of information and knowledge of nuclear hazards with other related ministries/ agencies, such as BAPETEN and BATAN, into its program.

An unknown source of reactor radionuclides in the Baltic Sea revealed by multi-isotope fingerprints

We present an application of multi-isotopic fingerprints (i.e., 236U/238U, 233U/236U, 236U/129I and 129I/127I) for the discovery of previously unrecognized sources of anthropogenic radioactivity. Our data indicate a source of reactor 236U in the Baltic Sea in addition to inputs from the two European reprocessing plants and global fallout. This additional reactor 236U may come from unreported discharges from Swedish nuclear research facilities as supported by high 236U levels in sediment nearby Studsvik, or from accidental leakages of spent nuclear fuel disposed on the Baltic seafloor, either reported or unreported. Such leakages would indicate problems with the radiological safety of seafloor disposal, and may be accompanied by releases of other radionuclides. The results demonstrate the high sensitivity of multi-isotopic tracer systems, especially the 233U/236U signature, to distinguish environmental emissions of unrevealed radioactive releases for nuclear safeguards, emergency preparedness and environmental tracer studies.

Safety research to support nuclear regulation and emergency preparedness

Safety research to support nuclear regulation and emergency preparedness

From Containing the Atom to Mitigating Residual Risk: The German Imaginary of Nuclear Emergency Preparedness

Grounded in a social scientific research approach, the present case study traces the shift in the German nuclear regulatory culture from prevention to preparedness, the latter of which builds upon decision support systems for nuclear emergency management. These systems integrate atmospheric dispersion models for tracing radioactive materials released accidentally from nuclear facilities. For atmospheric dispersion modelers and emergency managers, this article provides a critical historical perspective on the practical, epistemic, and organizational issues surrounding the use of decision support systems for nuclear emergency management. This perspective suggests that atmospheric dispersion models are embedded within an entire assemblage of institutions, technologies, and practices of preparedness, which are challenged by the uniqueness of each nuclear accident.

Examining the effectiveness of initial response training program for nuclear emergency preparedness

Examining the effectiveness of initial response training program for nuclear emergency preparedness

Policy and Guide for Dealing with Nuclear Disaster Threat in Indonesia

The research analyzed policies and guidelines for dealing with nuclear disaster threat in Indonesia within a collaborative approach. A case study qualitative method was used to explore and analyze the nuclear disaster threat policy and guidelines in Indonesia. The research was based on LIPI-UNESCO/ ISDR indicators on natural disaster preparedness and IAEA parameters on nuclear emergency preparedness requirements). Results showed that policies and guidelines on dealing with nuclear disaster threat in Indonesia are still deficient (34.1%); and there is no synergy and integration of policies and guidelines on preventing nuclear emergency between nuclear technology users and nuclear energy regulators on one hand and disaster management policies and guidelines at the local and national government level. Thus, enhancing policies and guidelines on dealing with nuclear disaster threats, there is need for National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to undertake collaborative governance policies with related ministries/ agencies, facilitate the integration of nuclear hazard regulations into disaster management regulations, and facilitate the establishment of national nuclear disaster management organizations.

Does the Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Plan Protect People from Radiation Exposure?

Does the Nuclear Emergency Preparedness Plan Protect People from Radiation Exposure?