Policy / Systems / Technology

March 9, 2012

 

JA Shin Fukushima Verifies 80% Radioactivity Reduction in Fruit Tree Decontamination Experiment

Keywords: Environmental Technology Food Non-manufacturing industry Nuclear Power 

JFS/JA Shin Fukushima Verifies 80% Radioactivity Reduction in Fruit Tree Decontamination Experiment
Copyright Shin Fukushima Japan Agricultural Cooperatives


Shin Fukushima Japan Agricultural Cooperatives (JA Shin Fukushima) announced on November 24, 2011, that it has conducted a decontamination experiment on fruit trees to reduce radioactivity for producers and consumers. The Tohoku region has taken a serious hit by the Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. The region's agricultural fields were contaminated and fruit, a local specialty, are not selling well due to consumer concerns about safety.

In the experiment, JA Shin Fukushima decontaminated apple, peach, and pear orchards in Fukushima City by washing or peeling off tree bark using high-pressure water sprayers and verified work procedures and problems to be solved. Although the effectiveness of the techniques used differed depending on the type of tree bark, radioactivity was reduced by up to 84 percent for apple trees, the best result. Other trees showed reductions of 52 to 71 percent.

The fruit tree research institute of the Fukushima Agricultural Technology Centre has determined that the radioactivity detected in fruit derives from tree bark, so decontamination is best done after defoliation and before budding. Beginning in December 2011, JA intends to finish its work before the budding period in March for all fruit farms.

Posted: 2012/03/09 06:00:15 AM

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