Radiological Impact Assessment of Spatiotemporal Variability of Anthropogenic Radionuclides Associated with Major Nuclear Power Plant Events in Korean Coastal Waters Mun JiYeon Advisor : Prof. Tae Young Kong, Ph.D. Department of Nuclear Engineering, G...
Radiological Impact Assessment of Spatiotemporal Variability of Anthropogenic Radionuclides Associated with Major Nuclear Power Plant Events in Korean Coastal Waters Mun JiYeon Advisor : Prof. Tae Young Kong, Ph.D. Department of Nuclear Engineering, Graduate School of Chosun University This study aimed to assess the spatiotemporal variability of anthropogenic radionuclides in coastal waters near nuclear power plants (NPPs) in Korea, as well as to evaluate potential radiological effects associated with significant nuclear-related events. Specifically, it quantitatively examined changes in marine radionuclide concentrations following abnormal radioactive releases from domestic NPPs and the discharge of treated contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi NPPs in Japan. As part of the analysis, records of abnormal radioactive releases from the Wolsong and Hanbit NPPs between 2000 and 2024 were reviewed. Seawater samples collected at discharge outlet locations during relevant periods were analyzed for radioactive cesium (134Cs and 137Cs) and tritium (3H). Additionally, from 2021 to 2024, including periods before and after the initiation of the Fukushima discharge in August 2023, seawater, marine organisms, and marine sediment samples were collected or evaluated for data availability at 18 sites across the East, West, and South Seas of Korea. Quantitative measurements of the same radionuclides were conducted to examine their spatial distribution and temporal variation. The results indicated that radionuclide concentrations in seawater during periods of abnormal releases at domestic NPPs were predominantly below the minimum detectable activity or within established ranges of natural variability. No statistically significant changes in radionuclide concentrations attributable to the Fukushima discharge were identified in the analyzed marine media during the study period. This study provides long-term, site-specific observational data that contribute to the scientific understanding of marine radioactivity monitoring in Korea. The findings emphasize the importance of time-series analysis, detection-limit–aware interpretation, and continuous monitoring in evaluating radiological effects associated with abnormal releases and international nuclear events. Additionally, the results enhance our understanding of the distribution characteristics, dispersion processes, and environmental behavior of radionuclides in marine systems, thereby offering a valuable reference for future monitoring strategies, risk assessments, and regulatory decision-making.