Fukushima nuclear plant (Photo: Kyodo)

TEPCO plans to release 7,800 tons of treated wastewater in this second round, which will take place within 17 days. Preparations will begin next Tuesday to check tritium levels when the treated water is diluted with sea water before release.

According to TEPCO and the Japanese Government, releasing treated radioactive water into the sea is a necessary step to stop the operation of the Fukushima nuclear plant, which was seriously damaged in the earthquake and tsunami disaster in 2011.