EXPERTS CHECKING PRESENCE OF RADIATION In Cagayan Corals

experts from the Department of Science and Technology-philippine nuclear research Institute (DOST-PNRI) and University of the Philippines-marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) searched the sea waters of Palaui Island in Sta. Ana, Cagayan province, on March 11 to gather information on human nuclear activities and possible presence of radiation of corals.

Led by Dr. Angel Bautista VII of DOST-PNRI and Dr. Fernando Siringan of UP-MSI, the team checked out meter-long coral cores, said a DOST-PNRI news release posted on its Facebook.

The research was timed on the 10th year of the March 11, 2011, massive magnitude-9 earthquake and 17-meter-high tsunami that hit the eastern coast of Japan. This led to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear Power Station accident that triggered the shutdown of all nuclear power plants in Japan.

Earlier, the project team was able to detect radionuclide contaminants among corals in Baler, Aurora, and vinzons, Camarines norte, by measuring the radionuclide, iodine-129.

The presence of radiation among the corals in the locations suggest that radionuclide contaminants from the Fukushima nuclear accident might have already reached the Philippines, the team explained.

“The radiation detected is low and is far from being a health concern. however, confirmation about the arrival of radioactive contamination from the Fukushima nuclear power accident site to the Philippine coasts give us vital information that can help us prepare in the event of similar incidents in the future,” the team said.

The project is funded by the DOST- Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and natural resources research and Development.