Natural radioactivity in lignite samples from open pit mines “Kolubara”, Serbia – risk assessment

This paper aims to estimate a potential radiological risk from different kinds of coals used for domestic heating in Serbia, by measuring the activity concentration of radionuclides and radon exhalation rate. The obtained radon mass exhalation rate ranges from (5.3 ? 3.1) mBqkg?1s?1 to (70.3 ? 9.4) mBqkg ?1s?1 and was highest for lignite type of coal. It is estimated that coal stored in the basement could contribute up to 50 Bqm?3 of indoor radon concentration at the ground level. Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 238U, 235U, and 210Pb in analysed coal samples agree with previously reported concentrations of coal used in Serbia. The values of radium equivalent concentration and external hazard index indicate that the used coal does not represent a significant radiation hazard.

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“…The mea sured re sults agree with pre vi ously reported re sults of radionuclide ac tiv ity con cen tra tion in coal used in Ser bia [4,14].…”

Section: Re Sultssupporting

confidence: 87%

Estimation of radiological impact on residents due to household storage of coal used for heating in Serbia

et al. 2021

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“…Coal is a sedimentary rock whose organic and inorganic mineral aggregates contain varied concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) including uranium ( 238 U, 235 U) and thorium ( 232 Th) decay chains as well as radioactive potassium ( 40 K) [ 17 – 19 ]. Concentrations of these primordial radionuclides, though dependant on the geological formations of coal, are comparable to the average radioactivity of the earth crust [ 6 , 15 , 20 – 24 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Extensive research have been carried out to assess the radionuclide contents of coal deposits around the world [ 1 , 2 , 5 , 13 , 17 – 19 , 26 , 30 – 32 ], but information on the radioactivity of Nigerian coal is relatively limited. Yet Nigeria is endowed with abundant coal deposits with enough capacity to generate up to 30% of its energy needs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quantification and Radiological Risk Estimation Due to the Presence of Natural Radionuclides in Maiganga Coal, Nigeria

et al. 2016

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Following the increasing demand of coal for power generation, activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides were determined in Nigerian coal using the gamma spectrometric technique with the aim of evaluating the radiological implications of coal utilization and exploitation in the country. Mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 8.18±0.3, 6.97±0.3, and 27.38±0.8 Bq kg-1, respectively. These values were compared with those of similar studies reported in literature. The mean estimated radium equivalent activity was 20.26 Bq kg-1 with corresponding average external hazard index of 0.05. Internal hazard index and representative gamma index recorded mean values of 0.08 and 0.14, respectively. These values were lower than their respective precautionary limits set by UNSCEAR. Average excess lifetime cancer risk was calculated to be 0.04×10−3, which was insignificant compared with 0.05 prescribed by ICRP for low level radiation. Pearson correlation matrix showed significant positive relationship between 226Ra and 232Th, and with other estimated hazard parameters. Cumulative mean occupational dose received by coal workers via the three exposure routes was 7.69 ×10−3 mSv y-1, with inhalation pathway accounting for about 98%. All radiological hazard indices evaluated showed values within limits of safety. There is, therefore, no likelihood of any immediate radiological health hazards to coal workers, final users, and the environment from the exploitation and utilization of Maiganga coal.

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“…Following successful implementation of these new technologies for lignite quality optimization in USA, Australia, Germany, and other developed countries, activities in PE Electric Power Industry of Serbia were increased since 2000. Once again, due to security (radiation protection) problems for personal at open pit mine, for on-line measurement of ash content, besides Transmission radiation method, lot of research had been focused on natural radiation of coal/mineral matter [8,9]. Based on measured gamma-ray spectrum of 82 Due to low concentration of natural radio nuclides in lignite samples (approximately 3 times lower compared to values for subbituminous and bituminous coals) and obtained low correlation coefficient, integral or specific natural gamma radiation method could not be used for on-line measurement of ash content in Kolubara lignite.…”

Section: Physical-chemical Properties Of Coalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of the investigations of pulverized coal combustion processes in large power plants in laboratory for thermal engineering and energy: Part B

et al. 2019

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Paper presents short review of research problems, applied methods for solving problems and main results obtained by the researchers in Laboratory for Thermal Engineering and Energy (LTE) of the "Vinča" Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia dealing with pulverized coal combustion processes and technologies for reduction of pollutions problems at thermal power plants in a period since 2000. The presented results were published in numerous studies realized for different users, Ph. D., Masters, and Specialist thesis, in international and domestic scientific journals and monographs, presented at numerous international and domestic scientific conferences, etc. Presented research projects and results of applied research projects realized at pulverized coal combustion thermal power plants clearly show that LTE team was involved in key activities of rehabilitation and modernization, including implementation of best available technologies for pollution reduction at thermal power plants, in the region of South East Europe.

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Natural radioactivity in lignite samples from open pit mines “Kolubara”, Serbia – risk assessment

Cited by 11 publications

References 4 publications

Estimation of radiological impact on residents due to household storage of coal used for heating in Serbia

Estimation of radiological impact on residents due to household storage of coal used for heating in Serbia

Quantification and Radiological Risk Estimation Due to the Presence of Natural Radionuclides in Maiganga Coal, Nigeria

Review of the investigations of pulverized coal combustion processes in large power plants in laboratory for thermal engineering and energy: Part B

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