本研究は、原子力災害からの復興途上にあるチェルノブイリ周辺地域を対象として、福島で得た環境放射能に関する科学的知見を活用し、当該地域の環境回復技術および法体制の確立に貢献することを目的とする。現在当該地域では、クーリングポンド（冷却水供給池）の水位低下に伴う環境影響評価、経年の放射線量低下に伴う避難区域の再編、汚染森林地域で発生する火災などによる放射能飛散対策に関連する放射能動態モニタリング体制の構築等が課題になっている。本研究では、これら課題に対応するための研究を行うとともに、モニタリングデータを活用して既存の放射性物質動態予測モデルを発展させ、放射線リスクの広域的かつ中長期的な予測を行う。得られた知見をもとにチェルノブイリ周辺地域の住環境や農林水産分野の規制を適正化し、原子力災害後の安全かつ効率的な環境回復を目指し、日本側若手研究者の原子力災害関連の知見の拡大も促進することで、次世代の原子力災害対策を担う人材を育成する。
This project aims to utilize the scientific knowledge and insights related to environmental radioactivity that we have gained in Fukushima, for the area surrounding Chernobyl, which is recovering from the nuclear disaster, and to contribute to environment recovery support technology and the establishment of legal systems in that area. Currently, in this area, issues of concern include: evaluation of environmental effects resulting from the drop in the water level of the cooling ponds (ponds that provide cooled water), the reforming of evacuation areas as a result of the drop in radioactivity with the passing of time, and the construction of a radioactivity dynamics monitoring system related to measures in response to radioactivity dispersal resulting from matters such as fires that arise in contaminated forest areas. In this research, as well as conducting research to respond to these various issues, we will utilize monitoring data to further develop existing radioactive material dynamics forecast models, and conduct wide-ranging, mid- and long-term forecasts of radiation risks. Based on the knowledge thus gained, we will amend the regulations in regard to the residential environment and the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry fields in the areas surrounding Chernobyl. Aiming for safe and effective post-nuclear disaster environmental recovery, by also promoting the expansion of knowledge related to nuclear disasters on the part of young researchers on the Japanese side, we will foster next-generation human resources who can carry out appropriate responses to nuclear disasters.
