Contaminated water may still be leaking into Pacific [View all]

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http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120308a5.html

A group of researchers has reported that radiation-contaminated water could still be leaking into the sea from the Fukushima No. 1 power plant.

Data on radioactive cesium in the sea near the plant nearly a year after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami triggered multiple meltdowns show a slower than expected decline in concentrations, according to the group, which includes Michio Aoyama of the Meteorological Research Institute.

Tokyo Electric Power Co. said it does not believe contaminated water is currently leaking into the sea.

Although data for the past three to four months indicate a slower decline in cesium concentrations, current levels are far lower than those recorded just after the disaster, Tepco said.

Last April, Tepco found that contaminated water was leaking into the sea and stopped the flow by injecting chemicals into the ground.