IMPACT OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS ON SEA TURTLES AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION STRATEGIES TO RAISE AWARENESS

Abstract

Despite the importance of nuclear energy in the energy matrix and in various sectors, its waste and processes can generate serious risks to the marine environment, such as the bioaccumulation of radionuclides in turtles and mortality caused by water cooling systems. This article analyzes the environmental impacts of nuclear power plants on sea turtles, focusing on radioecology and environmental education strategies as conservation tools. The study combines a literature review with data from technical visits carried out at the Angra dos Reis Nuclear Power Plant, highlighting the challenges faced by these species in Brazil, where five of the seven species of sea turtles occur. The results reinforce the importance of turtles in marine ecosystems, being important bioindicators for the evaluation of environmental contamination. Environmental education strategies are proposed, such as community involvement, awareness in schools and awareness campaigns aimed at tourists and fishermen, demonstrating their effectiveness in mitigating impacts and promoting sustainable practices. It is concluded that environmental education is an indispensable instrument for the awareness of society and the conservation of sea turtles, especially in regions with nuclear activities, reinforcing the need for integrated actions between the community, governments and industries.