Impact of Nuclear Power Plant - Essay Example

Topic: Impact of Nuclear Power Plant First English 102 Research Proposal Introduction Nuclear radiation that is emitted from nuclear reactor has a high impact on environment, landscape and on health and lifestyle. Even in a normal situation without any calamity, the impact on the environment is very high because of the high usage of fossil fuels used in extracting and mining uranium that releases both carbon dioxide as well as greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. In the event of any calamity like what happened in Fukushima, the threat becomes much higher because the radioactive elements released into the atmosphere can have an impact on the flora and fauna and affect the ozone layer (Environmental Protection Agency, 2011).

For example, drinking water in Tokyo and other major cities of Japan showed a percentage of presence of radioactive elements (Foodandwaterwatch.org, n.d). Therefore, the danger posed by nuclear power plant in light of the phenomenon of climate change is high. Post the massive earthquake and the ensuing Tsunami in Japan on March 11, 2011, one of the main threats that came out was the radiation threat from Japans Nuclear Power plants. Leaks of radioactive gas happened in three reactors at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station because of partial meltdowns.

In another reactor, the spent fuel rods caught fire and radioactive gases and materials were released directly into the atmosphere outside (Chang, 2011). This issue raised many concerns regarding the potential affects on various factors like environment and health and form the main reason for my selection of the topic. However, impacts of power plants are not restricted to disasters alone. The radioactive isotopes have a very high potential to impact the normal functioning of human body. When the level of isotopes reaches a very high level, it affects the functioning of the brain and blood circulation.

However, it also has an impact on the body even when it is contained in the body in a low amount. The thyroid gland of the human body is vulnerable to the radioactive isotopes and hormones produced in the thyroid glands play a important role in the metabolism functions of the body. Constant exposure can slowly impair the function and create health hazards. It can also cause the phenomenon of mutations, which proceeds to affect a big chunk of population. Therefore, the proximity of a nuclear power plant has a high impact on the health of individuals.

With the Fukushima disaster post the exposure, the radioactive elements present in the atmosphere has also increased the risk of cancer for the residents who live in the areas close by (Griesheimer, 2011). One of the main concerns with regards to any nuclear power plant is the issue of waste disposal. Nuclear waste from a power plan is dangerous because contains high levels of radioactive isotopes. While processes have been developed to make sure that, the radioactive elements are isolated from the wastes; the topic is still one, which generates debates because disposal of nuclear wastes can alert the ecosystem and the landscape (Kramer, 2011).

The constructions of the nuclear plant also alters the landscape of the areas close by. In spite of all negative effects, Nuclear power plants have become essential because of the increased need for power and energy across the world. Therefore, the need of the hour is to balance the benefits and reduce the risks as much as possible to escape from the negative effects. It is also necessary to ensure that the nuclear reactors are well protected to get affected in the least possible manner from natural calamities by making sure that highest quality of material is used for construction.

Therefore, considerable though and research should be done to ensure that nuclear reactors are safe and they do not have a high impact on human beings, flora and fauna and the environment. Overview of Sources For my proposed research I have already undertaken a preliminary literature review using the University library and online library access. I intend to use books, journal articles and authentic websites to provide a rich background for my proposed research. My preliminary research has revealed that there are world wide concerns about the impact of power plants and that the economic concerns of the government and the health and environmental impact to the society are often at odds with each other.

There is therefore a need to fully understand and create awareness about the detrimental impacts of power plants and to explore possible solutions to mitigating the impacts. Topic Area My Thesis statement is “power plants have a potent and detrimental impact on the environment and the society’s health and well being and that there is an urgent need to create more awareness about these impacts and explore methods to mitigate them” As such, I intend to cover topics ranging from the various stages and processes related to power generation that lead to impact on environment and health.

I will also cover topics related to research done in various parts of the world regarding exploration of the various impacts of power generation. Finally, I will also cover topics like using technology and best practices and regulations that help in minimising the impacts. Expectations for Final Product My proposed research is expected to provide insights about the range and potency of impacts of power plants and will also help in understanding the current legislation and best practices that are being used to minimize the detrimental impacts.

The research will enable an assessment of the current efforts to pre-empt impacts from the normal working of the reactor as well as in the case of a disaster. The research will therefore highlight the need to create awareness and public interest and generate political will to take active initiatives in ensuring that power generation is undertaken in a clean and hazard free manner. Conclusion Power generation is of great importance for any nations economic well being and there is no doubt that power plants provide the basic infrastructural backbone to a country.

However, it is also essential that the power generation be done in a manner that it is not only economically sustainable, but also safe for the environment and humans in the long term. There is a large amount of literature and some empirical evidence already available on how environment and society are affected by the power plants. However, these research have dealt with specific regions of specific impacts, and thus are limited in scope. My current proposed research is expected to provide an exhaustive evaluation of all the possible impacts across the world, and also provide and evaluation of the efficacy of the governmental and environmental agencies’ policies in keeping the impacts in check.

This makes my research will therefore provide in depth insights about the situation and will educate on how better methods or technology can be used to ensure that power generation is safe and sustainable. References Chang, P.L (2011). Japan’s Nuclear Power Plant Disaster: Health Effects and Protection Methods. Retrieved July 9, 2011 http://energyfanatics.com/2011/03/15/japan-nuclear-power-plant-disaster-health-effects-protection-methods Griesheimer, D (2011). Effects of 2011 Earthquake on Japanese Nuclear Reactor.

University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved July 9, 2011 http://operatingexperience.doe-hss.wikispaces.net/file/view/Effect+of+2011+Earthquake+on+Japanese+Nuclear+Reactors+20110323.pdf Kramer, J. (2011). Japan’s Evolving Nuclear Disaster And Its Impacts On Nuclear Aspirations In Asia. Responsible Research. Retrieved July 9, 2011 http://www.responsibleresearch.com/Responsible_Research___Japan_s_Evolving_Nuclear_Disaster.pdf Foodandwaterwatch.org (n.d) The Nuclear Accident in Japan: Impacts on Food. Retrieved July 9, 2011 http://documents.

foodandwaterwatch.org/japan-radiation.pdf Environmental Protection Agency (2011). Japanese Nuclear Emergency: Radiation Monitoring. Retrieved July 9, 2011 http://www.epa.gov/japan2011/