Japan plans to release treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean starting on August 24.
The decision follows the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that contaminated water within the Fukushima plant with radioactive material.
The stored radioactive wastewater from Fukushima needs to be disposed of to safely decommission the plant due to space limitations.
The United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supports Japan's plan, stating it aligns with safety standards and has negligible impact on people and the environment.
Neighboring countries, including China and Pacific Islands, express alarm and opposition to the plan, while South Korea has both protests and support from its leaders.
Concerns arise from fishing communities about the potential impact on their livelihoods and consumers avoiding seafood from the region.
The radioactive tritium isotope is a major concern as it cannot be fully removed through treatment processes, and its release is a point of contention.
The diluted release of wastewater into the ocean will be gradual and comply with international regulations on tritium concentration.
Other countries, including the United States, also release treated wastewater containing tritium from their nuclear plants.