Characterization of radionuclide activity concentrations and lifetime cancer risk due to particulate matter in the Singrauli Coalfield, India

Abstract

In this study, the activities of 40 K, 210 Pb, 232 Th, 234 U, 235 U, and 238 U in size-segregated particulate matter (PM) were measured in the Singrauli Coalfield, India. Different isotopic compositions were found relative to natural uranium ratios. The radioactivity concentration ratios in different PM sizes [PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and suspended particulate matter (SPM)] suggested that anthropogenic sources affected the uranium isotopic compositions in the area. A different isotopic composition from the natural uranium composition was found. The correlation coefficients between the measured isotopes (40 K, 210 Pb, 232 Th, 234 U, 235 U, and 238 U) and meteorological factors were calculated. PM emissions were affected by the meteorological conditions, which in turn, influenced the U and Th concentrations in PM. The 232 Th/ 238 U activity ratio in particulate matter was between 0.20 and 1.54 with an average value of 0.9 ± 0.5, 0.2 to 1.1 (0.8 ± 0.7), and 0.2 to 1.2 with an average value of 0.8 ± 0.8 in PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and SPM, respectively. These range were quite different from the average crustal ratio of 3.5, indicating that the 238 U concentrations were elevated in this region relative to Th. However, compared with Th, the dose contribution of U to the public was negligible. The average effective dose in public owing to inhalation of natural radioactive 40 K, 210 Pb, 232 Th, and 234 U, 235 U, and 238 U in the atmosphere was between 0.03 and 327 nSv year −1. These doses associated with the inhalation of particulate matter were lower than world airborne reference value as reported by UNSCEAR (2000a).

Development of an online gamma radiation measurement system

“…Since the natural γ radiation background of the mining environment itself is much higher than that in the ordinary environment, this effect is also more significant, and in order to improve the measurement accuracy, the whole detection system needs to be shielded. Lead has a high absorption coefficient for γradiation and is relatively inexpensive, and is often used as a shielding material for γradiation, so lead is used as the shielding material for the system [6] [7]. Natural γ radiation is dominated by natural uranium, thorium, potassium emitted by the medium-energy γ rays below 3 MeV, of which the majority are below 300 keV.…”

“…Figure 2.Logarithmic spectra before and after natural gamma radiation shielding.Lead has a high absorption coefficient for γradiation and is relatively inexpensive, and is often used as a shielding material for γradiation, so lead is used as the shielding material for the system[6][7]. Natural γ radiation is dominated by natural uranium, thorium, potassium emitted by the medium-energy γ rays below 3 MeV, of which the majority are below 300 keV.…”

Analysis of Air and Soil Quality around Thermal Power Plants and Coal Mines of Singrauli Region, India

“…There are certain gaps in monitoring and analysis of pollutants, such as (a) many studies focused largely on particulate matter [ 22 , 44 ], or are focused on limited pollutants [ 26 , 43 ]; (b) most studies have monitored pollution for a shorter time period between 1–3 years [ 22 , 44 ], however, long-term (≥15 years) analysis of air pollutants in India are difficult to be carried out due to various reasons; (c) geo-accumulation index of the soil in the vicinity of coal mining areas and thermal power plants (TPPs) is rarely carried out.…”