Chernobyl and Fukushima Disasters: Their Impact on the Ecology

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Table of Contents

Concepts and Theory
Components of Radiation
Ecological Effects of Radiation on the Earth
Conclusion
References

The Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear disasters represented the most significant dangers of such power plants. The Chernobyl accident released higher radiation levels due to its design and the human error involved. In comparison, the Fukushima reactor was impacted by a tsunami leading to lower radiation levels in the surrounding area (Loveland et al., 2017). The fallouts impact poses a danger to animal and plant life because of the half-life of the released isotopes. Longer exposure to radiation may lead to the burning of the skin or other chronic illnesses such as cancer or cardiovascular diseases in animals. It may also lead to contamination of the environment rendering it uninhabitable for both animals and human beings.

Concepts and Theory

Nuclear decay refers to the ejection of smaller particles of an atomic nucleus in unstable atoms, which results in the formation of stable species. This type of decay includes gamma emission, electron capture, alpha and beta emission, and positron emission. Apart from that, fission refers to the splitting of atoms into separate complete ones (United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 2017). In this case, the process produces energy by bombarding the atom with neutrons, usually done in nuclear applications. However, the process of fission can continue uncontrollably and requires intervention to slow down the process posing a danger. On the other hand, nuclear fusion refers to the joining or combination of smaller atoms into a larger one (Loveland et al., 2017). This process is difficult to attain due to the huge amount of energy required to commence the reaction, but ultimately results in stable atoms.

Components of Radiation

Radiation refers to the distribution of matter in the form of energy after a nuclear reaction occurs. This may be through pure energy, such as electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation. In the Chernobyl case, plutonium, iodine-131, strontium-30, and cesium-137 were released into the atmosphere. The highly radioactive nature of these components caused immediate danger to human populations requiring intervention to prevent extensive exposure. However, strontium-30 and cesium-137 posed the greatest threat based on their longer half-life of approximately 30 years (Loveland et al., 2017). This means that it would take longer for these components to decay from the atmosphere. Furthermore, the inferno that ravaged the Chernobyl site further dissipated the radioactive material wider across the country. This shows the destructive effect of these components once released and enter air circulation.

Radioactive components include alpha and beta particles, gamma rays, and neutrons. The large size of alpha and beta particles makes it impossible for them to penetrate through matter. However, they can cause extensive damage when exhaled or ingested into the body. On the other hand, neutrons lack a charge, hence, can travel easily through various matter (Jadiyappa, 2018). Their penetrative effect makes them particularly dangerous since they can affect internal organs in the body. Therefore, gamma rays and neutrons represent the most dangerous aspects of radiation components.

Ecological Effects of Radiation on the Earth

Animal life covers the largest affected group when exposed to radioactive material in the atmosphere. In human beings, it may lead to the destruction of living cells or the mutation of DNA, turning them into cancerous ones. Components such as radioactive iodine, despite its shorter half-life, may be absorbed by thyroid glands leading to the development of cancer. However, other radioactive components such as cesium with longer half-lives affect larger sections of the human body (Loveland et al., 2017). The risk of cancer thus increases over an affected individuals lifespan with regard to prior exposure levels. Additionally, other animals may experience mutations in their bodies affecting their normal functioning. These may include defects such as extra eyes or missing body parts.

On the other hand, radiation also affects the environment, including plant life and water sources. Plant cells may be damaged, leading to inhibited growth and development. Additionally, the exposure of soil and water sources to radiation reduces their fertility, affecting the ability of new plants to thrive (Jadiyappa, 2018). As a result, this may distort the mutually dependent functions that the environment uses to maintain life on the Earth. As evidenced by the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters, extensive damage can still be felt today. Ultimately, affected areas become inhabitable, with food sources reduced becoming dangerous for both human and animal consumption. High-level exposure events can pose a danger to life on the planet since the radiation can spread through the air to cover large sections.

Conclusion

The Fukushima and Chernobyl nuclear disasters continually show the dangers posed by radiation to the earth. While nuclear power contributes significantly to the world today by providing an unlimited energy source, it must be handled carefully. The exposure of animals and plant life to radioactive material can distort cells and mutations. In human beings, these mutations may lead to the development of cancer cells and the destruction of living ones. The environment can also decline in productivity, inhibiting its ability to support life due to contamination. Consequently, the concepts of nuclear energy require adequate understanding to prevent the occurrence of disasters.

References

Jadiyappa, S. (2018). Radioisotope: Applications, effects and occupational protection. In R. A. Rahman, & H. E.-D. Saleh (Eds.), Principles and applications in nuclear engineering: Radiation effects, thermal hydraulics, radionuclide migration in the environment (pp. 19-48). BoD Books on Demand.

Loveland, W. D., Morrissey, D. J., & Seaborg, G. T. (2017). Modern nuclear chemistry (2^nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons.

United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (2017). Radiation basics.

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Chernobyl and Fukushima Disasters: Their Impact on the Ecology

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