South Korean authorities completed environmental testing near the border with North Korea and discovered normal contamination levels. Government agencies examined ten locations around Ganghwa Island and the Han River estuary for radioactive materials and toxic metals. Scientists measured uranium and cesium alongside five heavy metals over a two-week period. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission worked with the ocean and environment ministries to conduct the analysis. Officials suspected North Korea had released uranium processing waste into nearby waterways.
Laboratory results showed uranium concentrations matched 2019 measurements at most test sites. Cesium readings fell below minimum detection thresholds across all examined areas. The Han River uranium levels stayed well under drinking water safety standards. Heavy metal concentrations remained within acceptable ranges throughout the testing zone. Ministry officials emphasized that the results cannot confirm whether North Korea actually discharged contaminated wastewater from its Pyongsan County uranium facility into regional rivers.
Laboratory results showed uranium concentrations matched 2019 measurements at most test sites. Cesium readings fell below minimum detection thresholds across all examined areas. The Han River uranium levels stayed well under drinking water safety standards. Heavy metal concentrations remained within acceptable ranges throughout the testing zone. Ministry officials emphasized that the results cannot confirm whether North Korea actually discharged contaminated wastewater from its Pyongsan County uranium facility into regional rivers.
