"Damage to the Bushehr nuclear power plant could release long-lasting radioactive cesium 137 from spent fuel holding ponds into the Persian Gulf, threatening fisheries and drinking-water supplies for millions of people."
"A direct strike could engender a nuclear meltdown. Such a meltdown is unlikely to create a fiery Chernobyl-style catastrophe, but it could lead to a slower-rolling environmental calamity."
"The most realistic pathway to a severe accident is not a Hollywood-style explosion but a loss of cooling over time. If both external power and backup systems are compromised, the reactor core could overheat."
"The Bushehr plant has been in operation since 2011 and possesses one operational Russian-designed VVER V-446 reactor with a net capacity of 915 megawatts of electricity, which accounts for about 2 percent of Iran's power."
The Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran is at risk due to nearby missile strikes amid ongoing conflict. Damage could release radioactive cesium 137 into the Persian Gulf, endangering fisheries and drinking water for millions. Experts warn that a nuclear meltdown, while unlikely to resemble a Chernobyl disaster, could result from a loss of cooling, leading to severe environmental consequences. The plant, operational since 2011, contributes 2 percent of Iran's electricity. U.S. officials have not ruled out targeting the facility amid escalating tensions.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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