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Faanu A, Tettey-Larbi L, Akuo-ko EO, Kwabena Gyekye P, Kpeglo DO, Lawluvi H, Kansaana C, Adjei-Kyereme S, Efa AO, Tóth-Bodrogi E, Kovács T, Shahrokhi A. Radiological landscape of natural resources and mining: Unveiling the environmental impact of naturally occurring radioactive materials in Ghana's mining areas. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24959. [PMID: 38317974 PMCID: PMC10838772 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This study provides a general observation of the status of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) distribution in mining and industrial areas of Ghana in order to establish regional and national data on NORMs. The study includes data on radioactivity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in soils and for water concentrations of Ra-226, Th-228, and K-40 from various mining, oil, and gas communities, as well as water sources used for crop farming and farmlands. The average activity concentrations of U-238, Th-232, and K-40 in the soil samples were found to be 59 ± 16 Bq/kg, 48 ± 15 Bq/kg, and 286 ± 57 Bq/kg, respectively. The average concentration of Ra-226, Th-228, and K-40 in the water samples were found to be 1.62 ± 0.33 Bq/L, 2.08 ± 0.53 Bq/L, and 22.36 ± 3.44 Bq/L, respectively. The estimated average annual effective doses from external and internal exposure pathways in soil and water samples were 0.09 mSv/y and 0.54 mSv/y, respectively. The total annual effective dose resulting from both exposure pathways was calculated to be 0.63 mSv/y, which is below the 1 mSv/y dose limit recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) for controlling public radiation exposure. Based on the radiological hazard indices, the majority of the soil samples were found to be suitable as building materials as their respective indices were below the limits except for two sample locations and the sludge and scale samples. The average Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) value of the water samples was 1.6 times greater than the recommended value of 1.16 × 10-3, presenting a relatively higher risk to the public of developing cancer. No significant regional differences in the levels of radioactive elements. The regression models demonstrate strong interrelationships between the studied elements, with high R-squared values suggesting a predictable nature of one element's concentration based on others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Augustine Faanu
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - Lordford Tettey-Larbi
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
- Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Esther Osei Akuo-ko
- Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Prince Kwabena Gyekye
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - David Okoh Kpeglo
- Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Ghana
| | - Henry Lawluvi
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - Charles Kansaana
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - Serwaa Adjei-Kyereme
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - Alexander Opoku Efa
- Radiological and Non-ionizing Installations Directorate, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Ghana
| | - Edit Tóth-Bodrogi
- Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Tibor Kovács
- Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
| | - Amin Shahrokhi
- Research Centre for Biochemical, Environmental and Chemical Engineering, University of Pannonia, 8200, Veszprém, Hungary
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Beltrán-Torres S, Szabó KZ, Tóth G, Tóth-Bodrogi E, Kovács T, Szabó C. Estimated versus field measured soil gas radon concentration and soil gas permeability. J Environ Radioact 2023; 265:107224. [PMID: 37356351 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Prediction of areas with elevated natural radiation is fundamental for the prevention of human exposure. Soil gas radon activity concentration and soil gas permeability are predictive parameters for the radon potential, which has great importance in areas where future urban development is planned. In this study, the soil gas radon equilibrium concentration (C∞) and soil gas permeability (K) were estimated through the application of theoretical and empirical models found in the literature. These models apply soil properties as input parameters. Using already existing soil parameters to predict the radon potential of an area would be useful in avoiding direct field measurements. Therefore, in this study, we examined whether the estimated soil gas radon activity concentration and soil gas permeability values match the values measured in the field. The soil gas radon activity concentration estimated by two theoretical models is about 50% of the measured value in the studied area. This underestimation can be attributed to the assumption that the radon activity concentration measured in the field depends only on soil parameters and the models do not take into account the underlying bedrock. Additionally, these models neglect the radon transport by advection and consider only the radon availability and migration in homogeneous media. Furthermore, they do not count certain characteristics of the soil that can be relevant, e.g. organic matter and clay content in the soil. To investigate more in detail such soil characteristics, seven samples located roughly along the slope, were selected to determine the soil chemical composition by ICP-MS. Evaluating the physical and chemical properties of the soil, it was found that the sampling sites with pH < 8 (low calcium content) the preferential adsorption was a dominant process. This causes radium enrichment in organic matter and clay, which directly influence the soil gas radon activity concentration. At pH > 8, radium is no longer preferentially adsorbed on organic matter but continues to be adsorbed on clays albeit this process is weak because radium competes with calcium cations. Also, there are other factors that may affect radon emanation in soil such as radium concentration and distribution, porosity and water content. In contrast, empirical model of soil gas permeability overestimates the measured value in the study area by an order of magnitude. A new model was made by modifying the previously proposed one, which can be used as a guide for the estimation of the median value of soil gas permeability in granitic areas, but not as an accurate predictor due to the lack of correlation between the estimated and measured values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Beltrán-Torres
- Lithosphere Fluid Research Lab, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Zsuzsanna Szabó
- Nuclear Security Department, Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, H-1121, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gergely Tóth
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology, University of Pannonia, Egyetem u. 10, H-8200, Veszprem, Hungary
| | - Edit Tóth-Bodrogi
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology, University of Pannonia, Egyetem u. 10, H-8200, Veszprem, Hungary
| | - Tibor Kovács
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology, University of Pannonia, Egyetem u. 10, H-8200, Veszprem, Hungary
| | - Csaba Szabó
- Lithosphere Fluid Research Lab, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, H-1117, Budapest, Hungary
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Li W, Jin H, Xie H, Wang D. Progress in comprehensive utilization of electrolytic manganese residue: a review. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:48837-48853. [PMID: 36884169 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26156-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) is a solid waste produced in the process of electrolytic manganese metal (EMM) production. In recent years, the accumulation of EMR has caused increasingly serious environmental problems. To better understand the state of EMR recycling in recent years, this paper used a comprehensive literature database to conduct a statistical analysis of EMR-related publications from 2010 to 2022 from two perspectives: harmless green treatment and resource utilization. The results showed that the research on the comprehensive utilization of EMR mainly focused on the fields of chemical hazard-free treatment and manufacturing building materials. The related studies of EMR in the fields of biological harmlessness, applied electric field harmlessness, manganese series materials, adsorbents, geopolymers, glass-ceramics, catalysts, and agriculture were also reported. Finally, we put forward some suggestions to solve the EMR problem, hoping that this work could provide a reference for the clean disposal and efficient utilization of EMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlei Li
- College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Huixin Jin
- College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China.
| | - Hongyan Xie
- College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
| | - Duolun Wang
- College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, 550025, Guiyang, China
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Zhan X, Wang L, Gong J, Deng R, Wu M. Co-stabilization/solidification of heavy metals in municipal solid waste incineration fly ash and electrolytic manganese residue based on self-bonding characteristics. Chemosphere 2022; 307:135793. [PMID: 35872056 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash and electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) were classified as hazardous waste, must be harmlessly processed prior to subsequent treatment or disposal. The competition between massive free manganese ions of raw EMR and other heavy metals was found, thus raw EMR was pretreated by calcining to eliminate competition of manganese with other heavy metals for stabilizer complexation. MSWI fly ash was successfully solidified with 6% NaH2PO4, 6% H2NCSNH2 and 20% sintered EMR (800 °C). The addition of sintered EMR enhanced solidification/stabilization of heavy metals in fly ash and the resulting product had a higher compressive strength for further reutilization like trench backfilling, structural fill and void filling. The stabilization/solidification mechanism of heavy metals was attributed to the combined interaction of heavy metal precipitation in stabilizers and ion exchange or physical encapsulation in silicate compounds like calcium silicate, which is a feasible and valuable approach to co-disposal of MSWI fly ash and EMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Zhan
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230009, PR China; East China Engineering Science and Technology Co., LTD, Hefei, Anhui, 230009, PR China
| | - Li'ao Wang
- College of Resource and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 40044, PR China.
| | - Jian Gong
- College of Resource and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 40044, PR China
| | - Rui Deng
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230009, PR China
| | - Meng Wu
- School of Civil Engineering and Architecture,Anhui University of Science and Technology,Huainan, Anhui, 232001, PR China
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Li P, Sun Q, Geng J, Yan X, Tang L. Radon exhalation from temperature treated loess. Sci Total Environ 2022; 832:154925. [PMID: 35367261 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Radon gas is a cancer risk and exists naturally in certain soils, such as loess, which is an important raw earth construction material in arid regions such as northwestern China and southern USA. Accordingly, the radon exhalationed from building materials is of increasing concern; however, there is little research on radon exhalation from loess. In this study, the pore structure and radon exhalation characteristics of heat-treated loess were investigated by nitrogen adsorption tests, swept surface electron microscopy, and radon measurements. The rate of radon exhalation increases linearly with temperature until 400 °C and then decreases exponentially. Changes in the internal pore structure (pore type, surface morphology, and specific surface area) of loess are strongly correlated with the radon exhalation rate. The volume of micropores (<2 nm diameter) is an important influence on radon exhalation ability, which is closely related to the fractal dimension of the micropore structure after heating. The results provide guidance for predicting the radiation risk posed by radon diffusing from loess.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China.
| | - Qiang Sun
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China; Shaanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Geological Support for Coal Green Exploitation, 710054, China; Key Laboratory of Coal Resources Exploration and Comprehensive Utilization, Ministry of Land and Resources, China.
| | - Jishi Geng
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China.
| | - Xusheng Yan
- College of Geology and Environment, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China.
| | - Liyun Tang
- College of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Xi'an University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China.
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Ahamad T, Singh P, Nautiyal OP, Joshi M, Bourai AA, Rana AS, Singh K. Quantification of 222Rn/ 220Rn exhalation rates from soil samples of Champawat region in Kumaun Himalaya, India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07954-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Imani M, Adelikhah M, Shahrokhi A, Azimpour G, Yadollahi A, Kocsis E, Toth-Bodrogi E, Kovács T. Natural radioactivity and radiological risks of common building materials used in Semnan Province dwellings, Iran. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:41492-41503. [PMID: 33786760 PMCID: PMC8352829 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13469-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Impact assessment of building materials is a focused topic in the field of radioecology. A radiological survey has conducted to monitor radioactivity of most common building materials in Semnan Province, Iran, and assess the radiation risk. Activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were measured in 29 samples including nine commonly used building materials that were collected from local suppliers and manufacturers, using a high purity germanium gamma-ray detector. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K varied from 6.7±1 to 43.6±9, 5.9±1 to 60±11, and 28.5±3 to 1085±113 Bq kg-1 with averages of 26.8±5, 22.7±4, and 322.4±4 Bq kg-1, respectively. By applying multivariate statistical approach (Pearson correlation, cluster, and principal component analyses (PCA)), the radiological health hazard parameters were analyzed to obtain similarities and correlations between the various samples. The Pearson correlation showed that the 226Ra distribution in the samples is controlled by changing the 232Th concentration. The variance of 95.58% obtained from PCA resulted that the main radiological health hazard parameters exist due to the concentration of 226Ra and 232Th. The resulting dendrogram of cluster analysis also shows a well coincidence with the correlation analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Imani
- Engineering Department, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammademad Adelikhah
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, H-8200, Hungary
| | - Amin Shahrokhi
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, H-8200, Hungary
| | - Ghazaleh Azimpour
- Department of Natural Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Yadollahi
- Engineering Department, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Erika Kocsis
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, H-8200, Hungary
| | - Edit Toth-Bodrogi
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, H-8200, Hungary
| | - Tibor Kovács
- Institute of Radiochemistry and Radioecology, University of Pannonia, Veszprém, H-8200, Hungary.
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8
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Kocsis E, Tóth-Bodrogi E, Peka A, Adelikhah M, Kovács T. Radiological impact assessment of different building material additives. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07897-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
AbstractIn this study, samples of building material additives were analyzed for naturally occurring radioisotope activity such as uranium, radium, and radon. The radon exhalation and the annual effective doses, were also calculated. The activities of the samples, were determined using HPGe gamma spectrometry and ionization detector. The results were used to calculate dose values by using RESRAD BUILD code. The activity concentration of the samples ranges between 9–494 Bq/kg Ra-226, 1–119 Bq/kg Th-232 and 24–730 Bq/kg K-40. In conclusion the investigated samples can be used safely as building material additives as they do not pose a major risk to humans.
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Shahrokhi A, Adelikhah M, Imani M, Kovács T. A brief radiological survey and associated occupational exposure to radiation in an open pit slate mine in Kashan, Iran. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07778-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AbstractA comprehensive radiological survey was carried out in an open-cut slate stone quarry. The activity of 226Ra, 228Ra and 40 K in the ore samples were measured as 38 ± 5, 41 ± 6 and 869 ± 52 Bq kg1, respectively. Outdoor radon and indoor radon concentrations were measured from 37 ± 7 to 193 ± 11 Bq m−3 (77 ± 8 Bq m−3), and 49 ± 6 to 253 ± 23 Bq m−3 (131 ± 13 Bq m−3), respectively. The average indoor and outdoor gamma dose were measured as 116 and 84 nSv h− 1, respectively. The annual effective doses were estimated between 1.0 ± 0.1 and 3.3 ± 0.3 mSv year−1. The annual lung cancer risks were calculated in the range of 3.3 × 10−2 to 13.12 × 10−2 % (7.72 × 10−2%).
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Dhar S, Randhawa SS, Kumar A, Walia V, Fu C, Bharti H, Kumar A. Decomposition of continuous soil–gas radon time series data observed at Dharamshala region of NW Himalayas, India for seismic studies. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021; 327:1019-35. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07575-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tkaczyk AH, Koch R, Ipbüker C, Järvelill JI, Serv A, Sas Z. Correlation between radon release, radioactivity and mineralogy: a case study of Estonian black sands. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07290-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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12
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Arroyo F, Luna-Galiano Y, Leiva C, Vilches LF, Fernández-Pereira C. Environmental risks and mechanical evaluation of recycling red mud in bricks. Environ Res 2020; 186:109537. [PMID: 32315825 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
More and more by-products are being used in certain materials, especially in the construction industry. Natural construction materials contain amounts of heavy metals and radionuclides, but when by-products are used in these kinds of materials, this could lead to a growth in their concentrations and have a negative impact on public health.In this paper, red mud was used as a raw material (as a clay substitute) to manufacture fired bricks. Physical, mechanical, radiological and heavy metal leaching properties of fired bricks with a replacement ratio of up to 80 wt% of clay to red mud are discussed. In addition, the effect of different sintering temperatures (1173K and 1373K) was analyzed, and results showed that the higher the temperature produced, the higher the mechanical strength.To environmentally characterize materials, they were subjected to two different leaching tests: a batch test for raw materials and a monolithic test for the bricks, respectively. The results obtained were compared with the limits stated for several heavy metals by the European Landfill Directive. Results showed that red mud gives leachate concentration values for Cr higher than the limits stated for non-hazardous by-products. Bricks do not exhibit the same problem in the samples containing a high RM proportion and manufactured at a low sintering temperature (1173K), although in the case of V, a high concentration is observed.The contents of radionuclides such as Ra-220, Th-232 and K-40 of the final construction materials were analyzed and compared with different indexes. This paper indicates the maximum amounts of RM that can be used to replace clay for the manufacture of fired bricks without environmental risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Arroyo
- Higher Technical School of Engineering, Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Seville, Spain.
| | - Y Luna-Galiano
- Higher Technical School of Engineering, Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Seville, Spain
| | - C Leiva
- Higher Technical School of Engineering, Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Seville, Spain.
| | - L F Vilches
- Higher Technical School of Engineering, Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Seville, Spain
| | - C Fernández-Pereira
- Higher Technical School of Engineering, Chemical and Environmental Engineering Department, University of Seville, Spain
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Zhan X, Wang L, Wang L, Wang X, Gong J, Yang L, Bai J. Enhanced geopolymeric co-disposal efficiency of heavy metals from MSWI fly ash and electrolytic manganese residue using complex alkaline and calcining pre-treatment. Waste Manag 2019; 98:135-143. [PMID: 31446253 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The predominant heavy metals in MSWI fly ash and electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) were determined to be Zn, Pb, Cd, and Mn, with lesser amounts of Cu and Cr. The curing efficiency of heavy metals in MSWI fly ash and EMR was improved using complex alkaline activators (NaOH and KOH), base addition (calcium hydroxide and complex Portland cement), and EMR calcining (at 800 °C for 3 h) based on a geopolymeric system. The best formulation of the geopolymeric system was composed of 75 wt% MSWI fly ash and 25 wt% EMR with a KOH/NaOH (1:1) complex solution (7.5 M OH-)/solid of 0.5. Calcium ions were dissolved aluminosilicate under the strongly basic conditions to form complex products (ternesite) which further improved the strength. The primary curing mechanism of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Mn, Cr, and Cu) mainly was primarily influenced by the acid-base buffering capacity of geopolymers, followed by the physical encapsulation of geopolymeric gels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China; College of Resource and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 40044, PR China
| | - Li'ao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China; College of Resource and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 40044, PR China.
| | - Lei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China; College of Resource and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 40044, PR China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China; College of Resource and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 40044, PR China
| | - Jian Gong
- Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China; College of Resource and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 40044, PR China
| | - Lu Yang
- Chong Qing Municipal Solid Waste Resource Utilization & Treatment Collaborative Innovation Center, Chongqing 401331, PR China
| | - Jisong Bai
- Chong Qing Municipal Solid Waste Resource Utilization & Treatment Collaborative Innovation Center, Chongqing 401331, PR China
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Sas Z, Sha W, Soutsos M, Doherty R, Bondar D, Gijbels K, Schroeyers W. Radiological characterisation of alkali-activated construction materials containing red mud, fly ash and ground granulated blast-furnace slag. Sci Total Environ 2019; 659:1496-1504. [PMID: 31096359 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Poor storage of industrial wastes has been a cause of land contamination issues. These wastes or by-products have the potential to be used as secondary raw materials in construction, promoting the concept of a circular economy that will avoid land contamination. Here we evaluate radiological environmental impacts when wastes that contain elevated levels of naturally occurring radionuclides (NORs) such as red mud, fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag are made into 'green cements' such as geopolymers or alkali-activated materials (AAMs). During the study, three AAM concrete and mortar series with various mixing ratios were prepared and investigated. The NOR content, I-Index, radon emanation and exhalation of the precursor waste materials and their cement products were measured and calculated and the strength of the cement products was compared. The emanation and the exhalation properties were calculated for the final products, weighing the data of the components as a function of their mixing ratio. The I-index alone suggested that the AAMs would be suitable products. AAMs containing ground granulated blast furnace slag exhibited the lowest radon exhalation and higher compressive strength, while the fly ash and red mud AAMs had increased final radon exhalation. In the case of fly ash, alkaline activation of fly ash dramatically increased the radon exhalation; the highest measured fly ash exhalation was 1.49 times of the theoretically calculated exhalation value. This highlights the increased risk of using fly ash as a component in AAMs and the need to carry out testing on the final products as well as individual secondary raw materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Sas
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Bldg., 39-123 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, United Kingdom; Hasselt University, CMK, Nuclear Technological Centre (NuTeC), Faculty of Engineering Technology, Agoralaan, Gebouw H, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Wei Sha
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Bldg., 39-123 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, United Kingdom.
| | - Marios Soutsos
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Bldg., 39-123 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, United Kingdom
| | - Rory Doherty
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Bldg., 39-123 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, United Kingdom
| | - Dali Bondar
- School of Natural and Built Environment, Queen's University Belfast, David Keir Bldg., 39-123 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AG, United Kingdom
| | - Katrijn Gijbels
- Hasselt University, CMK, Nuclear Technological Centre (NuTeC), Faculty of Engineering Technology, Agoralaan, Gebouw H, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Wouter Schroeyers
- Hasselt University, CMK, Nuclear Technological Centre (NuTeC), Faculty of Engineering Technology, Agoralaan, Gebouw H, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
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Shen Z, Zhang Q, Cheng W, Chen Q. Radioactivity of Five Typical General Industrial Solid Wastes and its Influence in Solid Waste Recycling. Minerals 2019; 9:168. [DOI: 10.3390/min9030168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The level of radionuclides is an important index for the preparation of building materials from industrial solid waste. In order to investigate the radiological hazard of five kinds of typical general industrial solid wastes in Guizhou, China, including fly ash (FA), red mud (RM), phosphorus slag (PS), phosphogypsum (PG), and electrolytic manganese residue (EMR), the radiation intensity and associated radiological impact were studied. The results show that concentrations of 238U, 235U, 232Th, 226Ra, 210Pb, and 40K for different samples vary widely. The concentration of 238U was both positively correlated with 235U and 226Ra, and the uranium contents in the measured samples were all of natural origin. The radiation levels of PG, EMR, EMR-Na (EMR activated by NaOH), and EMR-Ca (EMR activated by Ca(OH)2) were all lower than the Chinese and the world’s recommended highest levels for materials allowed to be directly used as building materials. The values of the internal and external illumination index (IRa and Iγ, respectively) for FA and RM were higher (IRa > 1.0 and Iγ > 1.3 for FA, IRa > 2.0 and Iγ > 2.0 for RM). The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), indoor and outdoor absorbed dose (Din and Dout, respectively), and corresponding annual effective dose rate (Ein and Eout) of RM, PS, and FA were higher than the recommended limit values (i.e., 370 Bq/kg, 84 nGy/h, 59 nGy/h, 0.4 mSv/y, and 0.07 mSv/y, respectively), resulting from the higher relative contribution of 226Ra and 232Th. The portion of RM, FA, and PS in building materials should be less than 75.44%, 29.72%, and 66.01%, respectively. This study provides quantitative analysis for the safe utilization of FA, RM, PS, PG, and EMR in Guizhou building materials.
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16
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Turhan Ş, Demir K, Karataşlı M. Radiological evaluation of the use of clay brick and pumice brick as a structural building material. Appl Radiat Isot 2018; 141:95-100. [PMID: 30196249 DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2018.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In this study, clay brick (CBRICK) and pumice brick (PBRICK) samples used as structural material in the construction of dwellings, schools, workplaces and factories in Turkey were compared with each other from a radiological viewpoint. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K naturally occurring in CBRICK and PBRICK samples collected from different regions of Turkey were determined by using a gamma-ray spectrometer with a high purity germanium detector (HPGe). The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in CBRICK and PBRICK samples were found as 35.4 ± 3.3, 37.5 ± 2.4 and 593.7 ± 42.7 Bq kg-1 and 81.9 ± 2.5, 65.8 ± 6.0 and 1066.0 ± 46.6 Bq kg-1, respectively. The radon surface exhalation rate (EXS) and radon mass exhalation rate (EXM) of CBRICK and PBRICK samples were measured by using an active radon gas analyzer with an accumulation container. The average value of EXS and EXM of CBRICK and PBRICK samples found as 45.9 ± 2.9 mBq m-2 h-1 and 3.7 ± 2.9 mBq kg-1 h-1 and 100.9 ± 4.7 mBq m-2 h-1 and 9.9 ± 0.5 mBq kg-1 h-1, respectively. Radiological parameters related to external and internal exposure to members of the public such as the radiation protection index, alpha index, and indoor absorbed gamma radiation dose rate and the corresponding annual effective dose from external exposure, annual effective dose from inhalation of radon, and the lifetime cancer risk were estimated for CBRICK and PBRICK samples. The results were compared with each other and with the international recommended limits or criteria. The results reveal that the average values measured and estimated for CBRICK samples are approximately two times lower than those measured and estimated for PBRICK samples. Thus, from the radiological viewpoint, clay brick is preferable to pumice brick as a structural material in the building sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ş Turhan
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Letters, Kastamonu University, 37150 Kastamonu, Turkey.
| | - K Demir
- Department of Physics, Institute of Science, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, 50300 Nevşehir, Turkey
| | - M Karataşlı
- Department of Physics, Institute of Science, University of Cukurova, 01330 Adana, Turkey
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