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Tserendorj D, Szabó KZ, Völgyesi P, Nguyen TC, Hatvani IG, Buczkó N, Abbaszade G, Salazar-Yanez N, Szabó C. Distribution and impacts of contamination by natural and artificial radionuclides in attic dust and urban soil samples from a former industrial Hungarian city: A case study from Salgótarján. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 270:107291. [PMID: 37806188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Primordial radionuclides can be found in all environmental compartments. Since coal-fired power plants (CFPP) can be a source of additional radionuclide contamination because coal contains natural radioactive isotopes such as 238U (226Ra) and 232Th. This study investigated the impact of such possible radionuclide contamination from former heavy industrial activities, namely a former local coal-fired power plant, in urban soils and attic dust in Salgótarján, Hungary. Even today, industrial by-products, e.g., coal ash, in this city represent significant threat to its residents. A total of 36 attic dust samples (family houses, kindergartens, churches and blockhouses) were collected and 19 urban soil samples (playgrounds, kindergartens, parks and others) were selected no further than 500 m from the corresponding attic dust sampling sites. Additionally, a coal ash and a brown forest soil sample were also collected to differentiate between the anthropogenic and geogenic sources in the residential area. The sampled houses, built between 1890 and 1990, are considered to be representative sampling sites for long-term accumulations of attic dust. The mean values of the total U, Th and Cs (mg kg-1) concentrations as well as those of K (m/m %) in attic dust and urban soil samples are 2.4, 3.6, 1.7 and 0.6 and 1.1, 4.4, 1.2 and 0.3, respectively, measured using ICP-MS. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in attic dust and urban soil samples are 43.3, 34.0, 534.4 and 88.5 and 25.1, 32.8, 386.4 and 5.6 Bq kg-1, respectively, by using a low-background iron chamber with a well-type HPGe and a n-type coaxial HPGe detector. The elemental compositions (U, Th) and activity concentrations (226Ra, 232Th) along with their abundances in coal ash from the CFPP increase in both studied media as the distance of the sampling sites from the CFPP decreases. Two outlier attic dust samples in particular show significantly high activity concentrations of 226Ra: 145 and 143, of 232Th: 83 and 94 Bq kg-1, which can be considered as a proxy of unweathered coal ash. The calculated total absorbed gamma dose rate (D) and annual effective dose (E) received from urban soils indicate that the presence of the CFPP, coal ash cone and slag dumps does not cause an increase in the level of background radiation in Salgótarján. However, the concentrations of the studied radionuclides are much higher (except for 232Th) and exhibit higher degree of variability in the samples of attic dustthan in those of urban soils. The study suggests that attic dust preserves the undisturbed 'fingerprints' of long-term atmospheric deposition thanks to its chemical and physical properties unlike urban soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davaakhuu Tserendorj
- Lithosphere Fluid Research Laboratory, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, 1117, Budapest, Hungary; Centre for Ecological Research Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Karolina út 29, 1113, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Zsuzsanna Szabó
- Nuclear Security Department, HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, 1121, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Völgyesi
- Nuclear Security Department, HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, 1121, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tam Cong Nguyen
- Nuclear Security Department, HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, 1121, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Gábor Hatvani
- Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research, HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Budaörsi út 45, 1112, Budapest, Hungary; CSFK, MTA Centre of Excellence, Konkoly Thege Miklós út 15-17, H-1121, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Noémi Buczkó
- Nuclear Analysis and Radiography Department, HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, 1121, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gorkhmaz Abbaszade
- Lithosphere Fluid Research Laboratory, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nelson Salazar-Yanez
- Lithosphere Fluid Research Laboratory, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Szabó
- Lithosphere Fluid Research Laboratory, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, 1117, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science, HUN-REN, Csatkai E. u. 6-8, 9400, Sopron, Hungary.
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Michalik B, Dvorzhak A, Pereira R, Lourenço J, Haanes H, Di Carlo C, Nuccetelli C, Venoso G, Leonardi F, Trevisi R, Trotti F, Ugolini R, Pannecoucke L, Blanchart P, Perez-Sanchez D, Real A, Escribano A, Fevrier L, Kallio A, Skipperud L, Jerome SM, Popic JM. A methodology for the systematic identification of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163324. [PMID: 37028656 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) are present worldwide and under certain circumstances (e.g., human activities) may give radiation exposure to workers, local public or occasional visitors and non-human biota (NHB) of the surrounding ecosystems. This may occur during planned or existing exposure situations which, under current radiation protection standards, require identification, management, and regulatory control as for other practices associated with man-made radionuclides that may result in the exposure of people and NHB. However, knowledge gaps exist with respect to the extent of global and European NORM exposure situations and their exposure scenario characteristics, including information on the presence of other physical hazards, such as chemical and biological ones. One of the main reasons for this is the wide variety of industries, practices and situations that may utilise NORM. Additionally, the lack of a comprehensive methodology for identification of NORM exposure situations and the absence of tools to support a systematic characterisation and data collection at identified sites may also lead to a gap in knowledge. Within the EURATOM Horizon 2020 RadoNorm project, a methodology for systematic NORM exposure identification has been developed. The methodology, containing consecutive tiers, comprehensively covers situations where NORM may occur (i.e., minerals and raw materials deposits, industrial activities, industrial products and residues and their applications, waste, legacies), and thus, allows detailed investigation and complete identification of situations where NORM may present a radiation protection concern in a country. Details of the tiered methodology, with practical examples on harmonised data collection using a variety of existing sources of information to establish NORM inventories, are presented in this paper. This methodology is flexible and thus applicable to a diversity of situations. It is intended to be used to make NORM inventory starting from the scratch, however it can be used also to systematise and complete existing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boguslaw Michalik
- Central Mining Institute (GIG), Silesian Centre for Environmental Radioactivity, Plac Gwarków 1, 40-166 Katowice, Poland
| | - Alla Dvorzhak
- Research Center on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Ruth Pereira
- GreenUPorto - Sustainable Agrifood Production Research Centre/Inov4Agro, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto, Campus de Vairão, Rua de Agrária 747, Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Joana Lourenço
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitario de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Hallvard Haanes
- Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), Grini Næringspark 13, Østerås, Norway
| | - Christian Di Carlo
- National Institute of Health (ISS), National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Nuccetelli
- National Institute of Health (ISS), National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Venoso
- National Institute of Health (ISS), National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Leonardi
- National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), DiMEILA, Monteporzio Catone Rome, Italy
| | - Rosabianca Trevisi
- National Institute for Insurance against Accidents at Work (INAIL), DiMEILA, Monteporzio Catone Rome, Italy
| | - Flavio Trotti
- Environmental Protection Agency of Veneto (ARPAV), Verona, Italy
| | | | - Lea Pannecoucke
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, IRSN/PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Pascale Blanchart
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, IRSN/PSE-ENV/SEDRE, 92260 Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Danyl Perez-Sanchez
- Research Center on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Almudena Real
- Research Center on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Alicia Escribano
- Research Center on Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT), Av. Complutense 40, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Laureline Fevrier
- Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety, IRSN/PSE-ENV/SRTE, 13115 Saint Paul-lez-Durance Cedex, France
| | - Antti Kallio
- Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), Lähteentie 2, 96400 Rovaniemi, Finland
| | - Lindis Skipperud
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Environmental Chemistry Section, 1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Simon Mark Jerome
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Environmental Chemistry Section, 1432 Aas, Norway
| | - Jelena Mrdakovic Popic
- Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (DSA), Grini Næringspark 13, Østerås, Norway.
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Correlation between Ground 222Rn and 226Ra and Long-Term Risk Assessment at the at the Bauxite Bearing Area of Fongo-Tongo, Western Cameroon. RADIATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/radiation2040029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current work was to study natural radioactivity in soil and the correlation between 222Rn and 226Ra in the ground and to assess the onsite and indoor long-term excess cancer risk at the bauxite bearing area of Fongo-Tongo in Western Cameroon. 222Rn was measured in the ground at a depth of one meter, using Markus 10 detector. 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K activity concentrations were measured in soil by two techniques, in situ and laboratory gamma spectrometry. The mean values of 222Rn concentrations in the ground were 69 ± 18 kBqm−3 for Fongo-Tongo and 82 ± 34 kBq m−3 for the locality of Dschang, respectively. The mean values of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K activity concentrations obtained with in situ gamma spectrometry were 129 ± 22, 205 ± 61, and 224 ± 39 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, and those obtained by laboratory gamma spectrometry were 129 ± 23, 184 ± 54, and 237 ± 44 Bq kg−1, respectively. A strong correlation between 222Rn and 226Ra activity concentrations determined by in situ and laboratory measurements (R2 = 0.86 and 0.88, respectively) was found. In addition, it is shown that the total excess cancer risk has a maximum value of 8.6 × 10−3 at T = 0 year and decreases progressively in the long term. It is also shown that 226Ra makes a major contribution, i.e., above 70%, to the total excess cancer risk.
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Estokova A, Singovszka E, Vertal M. Investigation of Building Materials' Radioactivity in a Historical Building-A Case Study. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:ma15196876. [PMID: 36234216 PMCID: PMC9570568 DOI: 10.3390/ma15196876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The paper investigates a possible hazard originating from natural radionuclides in building materials in a selected historical building being reconstructed for housing. Both outdoor and indoor risks were evaluated through the radiological indices and estimated doses, based on measured activities of natural radionuclides in stone and brick materials of the building. The average measured activity concentrations of radionuclides were 7.32 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 40.05 Bq/kg for 232Th, and 546.64 Bq/kg for 40K radionuclides. The average total activity concentration in building materials (594.0 Bq/kg) exceeded the world average value. A correlation was found between the potassium content in the building material samples and the total activity of radionuclides. The gamma indices, Iγ, calculated for the samples, ranged in an interval of 0.26-0.60, not exceeding the restricted limit for bulk materials Iγ = 1. The average annual effective dose due to building materials was 0.53 mSv/y, which does not exceed the limit (1 mSv/y), however, it contributes to a gamma dose excess that is higher than recommended (0.3 mSv/y at the most). The bricks were responsible for a higher level of natural radiation than natural stone material. Nevertheless, based on the radiation protection requirements, it can be concluded that the building can be used for residential purposes after the reconstruction, as no significant human health impact is expected due to the radioactivity of building materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Estokova
- Institute of Sustainable and Circular Construction, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, Vysokoskolská 4, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-55-602-4265
| | - Eva Singovszka
- Department of Strategic Development, Municipality of Kosice, Trieda SNP 48/A, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Marian Vertal
- Institute of Architectural Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Kosice, Vysokoskolská 4, 042 00 Kosice, Slovakia
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Lewicka S, Piotrowska B, Łukaszek-Chmielewska A, Drzymała T. Assessment of Natural Radioactivity in Cements Used as Building Materials in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11695. [PMID: 36141963 PMCID: PMC9517136 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
It has been analyzed in this article the radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and radiological hazard parameters in different types of cements commonly used in Poland and available on the Polish market. The radiological hazard parameters are, in particular, absorbed gamma dose rate, annual effective dose, radium equivalent activity, the external hazard index, and the gamma and alpha indices. The radionuclide activities of the most important radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, 40K have been determined by gamma-ray spectrometry with the use of two kinds of spectrometers of different operational parameters. One performed also measurements on 30-day and 45-day aged samples as to verify if there is a statistically significant difference in radioactivity concentration for shorter and longer aging time. The radioactivity concentrations in the cement samples ranged from 21.7-75.7 Bq·kg-1 for 226Ra, 12.3-47.3 Bq·kg-1 for 232Th to 123-430 Bq·kg-1 for 40K. The radiological parameters in cement samples were calculated as follows: mean radium equivalent activity Raeq = 127 Bq·kg-1, mean absorbed gamma dose rate D = 115 nGy·h-1, mean annual effective dose E = 570 µSv·y-1, external hazard index Hex = 0.32, internal hazard index Hin = 0.51, mean activity concentration index Iγ = 0.47 and mean alpha index Iα = 0.28. The results were compared with the reported data from other countries and the international standard values given by European Commission (EC) and United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR 2000). Finally, thorough statistical analysis has been performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Lewicka
- Faculty of Safety Engineering and Civil Protection, The Main School of Fire Service, 52/54 Słowackiego Street, 01-629 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barbara Piotrowska
- Central Laboratory for Radiological Protection, 7 Konwaliowa Street, 03-194 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aneta Łukaszek-Chmielewska
- Faculty of Safety Engineering and Civil Protection, The Main School of Fire Service, 52/54 Słowackiego Street, 01-629 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Drzymała
- Faculty of Safety Engineering and Civil Protection, The Main School of Fire Service, 52/54 Słowackiego Street, 01-629 Warsaw, Poland
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Radiological threat to the human in the context of alarming urbanization: a geographical enquiry on concentration of radionuclides in building materials used in Kannur district, Kerala, India. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08488-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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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] [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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Mas JL, Ramírez JRC, Bermúdez SH, Fernández CL. ASSESSMENT OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY LEVELS AND RADIATION EXPOSURE IN NEW BUILDING MATERIALS IN SPAIN. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2021; 194:178-185. [PMID: 34218283 PMCID: PMC8280263 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncab089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Novel building materials were manufactured and analyzed for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K using an HPGe gamma-ray spectrometer. The results show that the highest value of 40K was 4530 Bq per kg which was measured in a sample containing fly ashes from olive stones. The highest values of 226Ra and 232Th activities were 181 and 185 Bq per kg, which were measured in a sample with fly ashes from the co-combustion of coal and coke, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest values of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th activities were obtained for samples incorporating mussel shells. The radiological health hazard parameters, such as radium equivalent activity (Raeq), activity concentration index (I), absorbed and effective dose rates, associated with these radionuclides were evaluated. These values are within the EU recommended limits in building materials, except for samples of concrete containing fly ashes from olive stones, coal and coke. This study has contributed to the inclusion of industrial wastes that have not been collected previously in the Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) databases on radioactivity of building materials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J R Caro Ramírez
- Mina Cobre Las Cruces, carretera SE-3410, km 4100.41860 Gerena, Sevilla, Spain
| | - S Hurtado Bermúdez
- Dpto. Física Aplicada II, ETSA, Universidad de Sevilla, Avda. Reina Mercedes 2, Sevilla 41012, Spain
| | - C Leiva Fernández
- Dpto. Ingeniería Química y Ambiental, ETS-Ingeniería, Univ. Sevilla, C/de los Descubrimientos, s/n, Pabellón Plaza de América, Sevilla 41092, Spain
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9
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Gross Alpha and Gross Beta Activity Concentrations in the Dust Fractions of Urban Surface-Deposited Sediment in Russian Cities. ATMOSPHERE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos12050571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Studies of gross alpha and gross beta activity in road- and surface-deposited sediments were conducted in three Russian cities in different geographical zones. To perform radiation measurements, new methods were applied which allow dealing with low mass and low volume dust-sized (2–100 μm) samples obtained after the size fractionation procedure. The 2–10 μm fraction size had the highest gross beta activity concentration (GB)—1.32 Bq/g in Nizhny Novgorod and Rostov-On-Don, while the 50–100 μm fraction size was most prominent in Ekaterinburg. This can be attributed to the presence of radionuclides that are transferred through natural and anthropogenic processes. The highest gross alpha activity concentration (GA) in fraction sizes was found in Rostov-on-Don city within the 50–100 μm range—0.22 Bq/g. The fraction sizes 50–100 μm have a higher gross alpha activity concentration than 2–10 μm and 10–50 μm fraction sizes due to natural partitioning of the main minerals constituting the urban surface-deposited sediment (USDS). Observed dependencies reflect the geochemical processes which take place during the formation and transport of urban surface sediments. Developed experimental methods of radiation measurements formed the methodological base of urban geochemical studies.
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New Approach for the Determination of Radiological Parameters on Hardened Cement Pastes with Coal Fly Ash. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14030475. [PMID: 33494137 PMCID: PMC7864329 DOI: 10.3390/ma14030475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in industrial waste and by-products are routinely used to mitigate the adverse environmental effects of, and lower the energy consumption associated with, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) manufacture. Many such SCMs, such as type F coal fly ash (FA), are naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs). 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclide activity concentration, information needed to determine what is known as the gamma-ray activity concentration index (ACI), is normally collected from ground cement samples. The present study aims to validate a new method for calculating the ACI from measurements made on unground 5 cm cubic specimens. Mechanical, mineralogical and radiological characterisation of 28-day OPC + FA pastes (bearing up to 30 wt % FA) were characterised to determine their mechanical, mineralogical and radiological properties. The activity concentrations found for 226Ra, 212Pb, 232Th and 40K in hardened, intact 5 cm cubic specimens were also statistically equal to the theoretically calculated values and to the same materials when ground to a powder. These findings consequently validated the new method. The possibility of determining the activity concentrations needed to establish the ACI for cement-based materials on unground samples introduces a new field of radiological research on actual cement, mortar and concrete materials.
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Nuccetelli C, Leonardi F, Trevisi R. Building material radon emanation and exhalation rate: Need of a shared measurement protocol from the european database analysis. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2020; 225:106438. [PMID: 33017779 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2020.106438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In this paper the authors present a collection of radon emanation and exhalation rate data of about 2000 samples of building materials used in Europe. The data analysis highlighted some critical issues, such as the use of different units to express radon exhalation rate, the use of different measurement techniques and the general lack of information about density and thickness of samples. In many cases these differences of type and amount of information make difficult a reliable comparison of the obtained data. In the light of these considerations, the need arises to start, at both national and European level, a research activity aimed to develop a shared protocol for measuring the radon exhalation rate based on widely used and reliable measurement techniques. At European level, this protocol could support in forthcoming EU Member States national radon action plans, to take into account the contribution of building materials to the indoor radon concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Nuccetelli
- ISS (National Institute of Health)- National Center for Radiation Protection and Computational Physics, Viale Regina Elena 299, Roma, Italy
| | - F Leonardi
- INAIL (National Institute against Accidents at Work) - Research Sector, DiMEILA, Via Fontana Candida 1, Monteporzio Catone (Rm), Italy.
| | - R Trevisi
- INAIL (National Institute against Accidents at Work) - Research Sector, DiMEILA, Via Fontana Candida 1, Monteporzio Catone (Rm), Italy
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12
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Braysher E, Russell B, Collins SM, van Es EM, Shearman R, Molin FD, Read D, Anagnostakis M, Arndt R, Bednár A, Bituh T, Bolivar JP, Cobb J, Dehbi N, Di Pasquale S, Gascó C, Gilligan C, Jovanovič P, Lawton A, Lees AMJ, Lencsés A, Mitchell L, Mitsios I, Petrinec B, Rawcliffe J, Shyti M, Suárez-Navarro JA, Suursoo S, Tóth-Bodrogi E, Vaasma T, Verheyen L, Westmoreland J, de With G. Development of a reference material for analysing naturally occurring radioactive material from the steel industry. Anal Chim Acta 2020; 1141:221-229. [PMID: 33248656 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2020.10.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Accurate measurement of naturally occurring radionuclides in blast furnace slag, a by-product of the steel industry, is required for compliance with building regulations where it is often used as an ingredient in cement. A matrix reference blast furnace slag material has been developed to support traceability in these measurements. Raw material provided by a commercial producer underwent stability and homogeneity testing, as well as characterisation of matrix constituents, to provide a final candidate reference material. The radionuclide content was then determined during a comparison exercise that included 23 laboratories from 14 countries. Participants determined the activity per unit mass for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K using a range of techniques. The consensus values obtained from the power-moderated mean of the reported participant results were used as indicative activity per unit mass values for the three radionuclides: A0(226Ra) = 106.3 (34) Bq·kg-1, A0(232Th) = 130.0 (48) Bq·kg-1 and A0(40K) = 161 (11) Bq·kg-1 (where the number in parentheses is the numerical value of the combined standard uncertainty referred to the corresponding last digits of the quoted result). This exercise helps to address the current shortage of NORM industry reference materials, putting in place infrastructure for production of further reference materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Braysher
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK; University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - B Russell
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - S M Collins
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK; University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - E M van Es
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - R Shearman
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK
| | - F Dal Molin
- CEFAS, Lowestoft, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, UK
| | - D Read
- National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, Middlesex, TW11 0LW, UK; University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - M Anagnostakis
- Nuclear Engineering Department, National Technical University of Athens, 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - R Arndt
- IAF-Radioökologie GmbH, Wilhelm-Rönsch-Straße 9, 01454, Radeberg, Germany
| | - A Bednár
- RadiÖko Ltd., H-8200, Veszprém, Wartha Vince Str. 1/2, Hungary
| | - T Bituh
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - J P Bolivar
- University of Huelva, Department of Integrated Sciences, Natural Resources, Health and Environment (RENSMA), Campus El Carmen, 21007, Huelva, Spain
| | - J Cobb
- Jacobs, Renaissance Centre, 601 Faraday Street, Birchwood Park, Warrington, WA3 6GN, UK
| | - N Dehbi
- ASTERALIS (VEOLIA NUCLEAR SOLUTIONS), 556 Chemin de L'Islon, 38670, Chasse sur Rhone, France
| | - S Di Pasquale
- Institute for Radioelements (IRE) - Radioactivity Measurement Laboratory, Avenue de L'Espérance,1, 6220, Fleurus, Belgium
| | - C Gascó
- CIEMAT, Avda de La Complutense 40, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - P Jovanovič
- ZVD D.o.o., Chengdujska Street 25, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - A Lawton
- UK National Nuclear Laboratory, NNL Preston, Springfields, Salwick, Lancashire, PR4 0XJ, UK
| | - A M J Lees
- Cavendish Nuclear Ltd, Greeson Court, Westlakes Science & Technology Park, Moor Row, Cumbria, CA24 3HZ, UK
| | - A Lencsés
- Nuclear Power Plant Paks, Environmental Monitoring Laboratory, 7030, Paks, Kurcsatov Str. 1/D, Hungary
| | - L Mitchell
- Public Health England, Centre Chemical Radiation and Environmental Hazards, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0RQ, UK
| | - I Mitsios
- Nuclear Engineering Department, National Technical University of Athens, 15780, Athens, Greece
| | - B Petrinec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - J Rawcliffe
- UK National Nuclear Laboratory, NNL Preston, Springfields, Salwick, Lancashire, PR4 0XJ, UK
| | - M Shyti
- Institute of Applied Nuclear Physics, University of Tirana, Th. Filipeu, Qesarake, Tirana, Albania
| | | | - S Suursoo
- University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, W.Ostwaldi 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - E Tóth-Bodrogi
- Department of Radiochemistry and Radioecology, Bio- Environmental- and Chemical-engineering Research and Development Center, Faculty of Engineering, University of Pannonia, H-8200 Veszprém, Egyetem Str. 10., H-8210, Veszprém, POB 1158, Hungary
| | - T Vaasma
- University of Tartu, Institute of Physics, W.Ostwaldi 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - L Verheyen
- SCK CEN, Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | | | - G de With
- Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group, Utrechtseweg 310 - B50-West, 6812, AR ARNHEM, Netherlands
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13
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Krmar M, Milić K, Arsenić I, Hansman J. EFFECTIVE INDOOR DOSE OF GAMMA RADIATION FROM BUILDING MATERIALS: COMPARISON OF SEVERAL METHODS FOR ESTIMATION AND POSSIBLE UNDERESTIMATE. RADIATION PROTECTION DOSIMETRY 2020; 190:452-458. [PMID: 32985650 DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncaa125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper compares several methods for estimation of the effective indoor dose of gamma radiation from building materials. It was found that specific dose ratios proposed for 3 cm thick layers in one recommendation gives 2.8 times lower value of gamma dose than other methods. The most common case is that granite has an elevated content of natural radionuclides and it is usually used in the form of decorative layers. If the decision about restricted or non-restricted use of granite as a building material is based on method which underestimate gamma dose, there is reasonable concern that materials having elevated concentrations of natural radionuclides than allowed will be used in dwellings. In addition, it is pointed out that existing regulations allow in some cases non-restricted use of building materials even in the case when their activity concentrations exceed exception limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Krmar
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, University Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - K Milić
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, University Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - I Arsenić
- Faculty of Agriculture, University Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - J Hansman
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, University Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
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14
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Assessment of natural radioactivity and radiation hazards owing to coal fly ash and natural pozzolan Portland cements. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-020-07263-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Abstract
The aim of the research is a comprehensive evaluation of concrete using the EIPI method. In the evaluation the compressive strength of concrete and its durability properties represented by sorptivity and air permeability are taken into account. Since waste copper slag with increased natural radioactivity is used in the assessed concrete, additional evaluation is carried out taking into account the influence of natural radioactivity within the performance index. Additionally, the reference concrete, which is made without the use of waste copper slag, is evaluated for comparative purposes. In order to make the evaluation as comprehensive as possible, the concrete made with the use of three types of cement is subjected to CEM I, CEM II and CEM III assessments. If natural radioactivity is not taken into account in the evaluation, the best result of the most favourable value of Gross Ecological and Performance Indicator (GEPI) is obtained by the concrete made with waste copper slag, and if radioactivity is considered, the most favourable value of GEPI is obtained with concrete without addition of the waste. The results show that in both approaches the best result is achieved by concrete with CEM III cement. It follows from the above that although natural radioactivity has a significant impact on the EIPI evaluation result, the decisive factor is still the type of cement.
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16
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Marschke S, Rish W, Mauro J. Radiation exposures from the beneficial use of alumina production residue. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2019; 69:1479-1489. [PMID: 31657669 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2019.1670281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Estimates of radiation exposure are developed over the life cycle of beneficial use in cement of an alumina production residue (APR) waste pile. The life cycle includes radiation exposures that might be experienced by industrial workers involved in excavation and transport of the residue to cement plants, industrial workers at the cement plants, construction workers making use of the cement, members of the public who might be in the proximity of the cement products, and disposal of the cement at the end of its useful life. The results indicate that it is not reasonably likely for exposures related to beneficial use of APR waste in cement to exceed the acceptance criteria delineated in current radiation protection standards for workers and members of the general public.Implications: Radiation exposure estimates developed over the life cycle of beneficial use in cement of an alumina production residue (APR) waste pile indicate that it is not reasonably likely for exposures to exceed the acceptance criteria delineated in current radiation protection standards for workers and the public. Assumed APR waste characteristics, storage, transport, cement production, uses in concrete, and ultimate disposal are generalizable to many APR situations. The findings demonstrate that beneficial use of APR waste as a cement ingredient can be accomplished safely, with potentially significant benefits to management of the large volume of APR being stored around the world.
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17
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Gezer F, Turhan Ş, Kurnaz A, Ufuktepe Y. Radiometric characterization of zeolite minerals used in many industries and assessment of radiological risks. Appl Radiat Isot 2019; 152:57-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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18
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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. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 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] [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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19
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Radioactivity of Five Typical General Industrial Solid Wastes and its Influence in Solid Waste Recycling. MINERALS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/min9030168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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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Temuujin J, Surenjav E, Ruescher CH, Vahlbruch J. Processing and uses of fly ash addressing radioactivity (critical review). CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 216:866-882. [PMID: 30390998 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.10.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Fly ash is the residue of coal combustion collected by electrostatic or cyclone separator. It is one of the largest quantities of waste disposed in the world. Fly ash represents mostly less than 100 micron in size spherical particles with pozzolanic and hydraulic properties depending on its composition. Utilization of fly ash depends on its chemical, mineralogical composition and morphology. Because of coal nature, fly ash represents a significant drawback with presence of radionuclides such as 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. The fly ash can be used for various applications. The main amount of the fly ash is used for building materials production as cement additive and concrete production. Therefore, the determination of radiological properties both in the fly ash and final products are important parameters to consider. Radioactive isotopes cause release of alpha, beta, particles gamma rays and radon exhalation. However, fly ash addition doesn't increase the gamma dose substantially. Moreover, radioactive elements are generally immobilized within glass phase and therefore, radon emanation is not high. In this review the latest development of utilization of the various fly ashes with a different level of radioactive elements content for value added application are presented and a possible new direction of applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jadambaa Temuujin
- Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
| | - Enkhtuul Surenjav
- Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | | | - Jan Vahlbruch
- Institute for Radioecology and Radiation Protection, Leibniz University Hannover, Germany
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21
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Liu X, Lin W. Natural radioactivity in the beach sand and soil along the coastline of Guangxi Province, China. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:446-450. [PMID: 30301057 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural radioactivity in the beach sand and soil was measured and evaluated in typical ecosystems of mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs along the coastline of Guangxi Province, China. Radioactivity in the soil was about three times higher than that in the beach sand probably due to the distinct mineral components and particle sizes. A comparison with natural radioactivity levels in the global beach sands indicated that the beach sand of Guangxi had the lowest radioactivity. Radiological parameters including radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external and internal hazard indices (Hex and Hin), representative gamma level index (Iγr), absorbed gamma dose rate (DR), and annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) were lower than the recommended values. Our results provide baseline data on radioactivity in the beach sand and soil along the coastline of Guangxi and contribute to the database of radioactivity in the global beach sand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinming Liu
- Guangxi Academy of Oceanography, Nanning 530022, China
| | - Wuhui Lin
- School of Marine Sciences, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China; Guangxi Laboratory on the study of Coral Reefs in the South China Sea, Nanning 530004, China.
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