Abstract
This article systematizes research data on the natural radioactivity of fossil coals and of ash and slag waste from coal power engineering in the context of radioecological safety. The relatively low energy efficiency of the operating thermal power plants in Kazakhstan has a significant impact on the environment. In addition to natural radioactive elements (U238 and its decay products, Th232 and its decay products, and K40), coal combustion waste also contains a significant amount of trace elements that have a negative impact on the atmosphere and the environment. In Kazakhstan, about 67% of electricity is generated by coal power engineering. However, in the process of burning coals, radioactive nuclides are concentrated in ash and slag waste. In the fuel power industry of Kazakhstan, high-ash coals with low concentrations of radionuclides are mainly used. The average contents of uranium and thorium are close to the clarke values. The natural radioactivity of coal and of ash and slag waste from Karaganda GRES-1, which consumes Ekibastuz coals with an ash content of 32–39%, was studied. The average values of the specific activities of U238, Th232, and K40 in 25 coal samples were 27.9 Bq/kg, 19.5 Bq/kg, and 81.0 Bq/kg, respectively. In ash and slag waste, the concentrations of these radionuclides were several times higher. The concentration coefficients of the studied radionuclides varied within the ranges of 4.7–5.5 for U, 3.8–5.7 for Th, and 4.2–8.6 for K40. It was established that during coal combustion in thermal power plants, due to carbon combustion and the removal of volatile compounds, not only natural radionuclides but also many microelements, including toxic ones (Mn, Cd, Ni, Co, Zn, etc.), are concentrated in the ash.
Published Version
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