Former WHOI post-doctoral scientist Virginie Sanial sampled groundwater beneath beaches in Japan to look for radioactive cesium-137 from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear plant accident. To her surprise, she and colleagues found that radioactive cesium has accumulated in sands and brackish groundwater beneath beaches up to 60 miles from the plant. What's more, waves and tides can subsequently carry it back into the ocean. The scientists say this previously unknown, ongoing, and persistent source of radioactive contamination to oceans should be taken into account when monitoring nuclear power plants and future accidents. (Photo by Matt Charette, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
Text, images, graphics and other material contained on this website are subject to copyright. For more information or to license material, please contact the Director of Digital Assets, images@whoi.edu or (508) 289-2647.
The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is dedicated to advancing knowledge of the ocean and its connection with the Earth system through a sustained commitment to excellence in science, engineering, and education, and to the application of this knowledge to problems facing society. Learn more »
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Vimeo
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS Feeds
