Implementation of an automated continuous monitoring system for discharge water at Akkuyu NPP

The importance of implementing automated wastewater monitoring systems is growing as environmental responsibility requirements for nuclear energy become increasingly stringent. This article considers the rationale and practical implementation of an automatic continuous wastewater monitoring system (SAİS) using the Akkuyu NPP as a case study. The regulatory foundations are described, including international IAEA recommendations and the environmental legislation of the Republic of Turkey, as well as the methodological approach to system design. The main sources of potential impacts of NPP discharges on the marine ecosystem are analyzed, and the necessity of continuous monitoring is substantiated. Key technical characteristics of SAİS are presented, including its architecture, measurement circuits, and data transmission tools. Special attention is given to metrological support and quality assurance of measurements. It is noted that the implemented system ensures continuous monitoring of key wastewater parameters, reliable real-time data transfer to the centralized database of the supervisory authority, and legally binding recording of environmental indicators. A comparative analysis of the Turkish approach to online monitoring versus the Russian practice of laboratory-based control is provided. The advantages of SAİS as an instrument of digital transformation in environmental monitoring are discussed, along with the potential for scaling this experience to nuclear power plants in Russia. The study concludes that automated monitoring is essential for improving transparency, reducing environmental risks, and strengthening public trust in the nuclear industry.