Publications by authors named "Shinya Shimamura"
Original data (Cs and Cs, and sampling location) of marine products in Fukushima Prefecture monitored during 2011-2015 (n = 32,492) were analyzed to present an updated detailed description of radiocesium contamination after the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident and to examine taxon/habitat-specific decreasing trends in different areas. Furthermore, marine species data presented by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) during 2012-2015 (n = 5458) were analyzed to evaluate the decreasing trends of Cs inside and outside (within a 20 km radius) of the FDNPP port. Monitoring results by Fukushima Prefecture show that percentages of samples higher than the Japanese regulatory limit of 100 Bq kg-wet (>RL%) were higher, whereas those below the detection limit (
Article Synopsis
- After the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant disaster, concern arose over radionuclide contamination in marine products from the Fukushima Prefecture due to significant radioactive releases into the ocean.
- Monitoring of various marine species showed that while initial radioactive iodine levels were exceeded in just two species, radioactive cesium levels remained a concern, with many species surpassing regulatory limits in the following years.
- The decreasing trends of radioactive cesium concentrations varied by species and habitat, with some coastal fish continuing to show elevated levels, indicating ongoing contamination, highlighting the need for careful long-term monitoring to ensure food safety and support the fishing industry’s recovery.