Nuclear pollution has long been a global concern, with major accidents like those at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima highlighting the serious health and environmental risks associated with nuclear disasters. These incidents not only caused immediate health issues such as radiation sickness and increased cancer rates but also led to long-term environmental damage and genetic mutations in affected populations. Consequently, nuclear pollution remains a significant worry for governments, academics, and society worldwide.

When nuclear accidents occur near coastlines, the marine environment becomes a key point due to the vital role oceans play in climate regulation, food security, and supporting billions of livelihoods globally. In recent years, escalating threats to marine ecosystems from mounting ocean pollution have spurred increased public awareness of marine environmental protection. Studies have shown that human activities pose a significant threat to marine environments, emphasizing the need for improved environmental governance and measures to address environmental risks.

Following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, efforts to cool the reactors by injecting seawater led to the accumulation of a vast amount of nuclear waste within the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant’s water storage tower. Despite attempts to manage this waste, the Japanese government’s decision to discharge nearly 1.26 million tons of nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean over the next 40 years has faced opposition from neighboring countries, Japanese residents, and international environmental organizations.

This discharge poses substantial risks to marine life, fisheries, and human health. Radioactive isotopes (放射性同位素) such as tritium, carbon-14, cobalt-60, and strontium-90 present in the wastewater can accumulate in marine organisms, ultimately affecting human populations through the food chain. Therefore, further research and mitigation measures to address the wide-ranging consequences of nuclear pollution on the environment and human health are urgently needed.

In conclusion, while nuclear power may offer benefits, the potential risks, as highlighted by incidents like Fukushima, underscore the importance of stringent safety measures and thorough consideration of environmental impacts.

【小题1】What are three major nuclear accidents mentioned in the passage?

A．Fukushima, Hiroshima, Nagasaki

B．Chernobyl, Fukushima, Hiroshima

C．Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Fukushima

D．Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Nagasaki

【小题2】Why is the marine environment a vital point in the context of nuclear accidents?

A．Because marine life is directly affected by nuclear pollution.

B．Because marine environments are more vulnerable to radiation.

C．Because marine pollution exacerbates the impact of nuclear disasters.

D．Because oceans play a significant role in regulating climate and supporting livelihoods.

【小题3】What is the likely reason for the opposition to discharging nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean?

A．Concerns about potential economic benefits

B．Fear of increased fishing restrictions

C．Possible risks to marine life and human health

D．Lack of available technology for wastewater treatment

【小题4】What is the main idea of the fourth paragraph?

A．The potential risks to marine life and human health.

B．The present research and mitigation measures.

C．The environmental and social consequences of nuclear accidents.

D．The opposition from neighboring countries and environmental organizations.