Concentration of NORM (238U, 232Th and their decay products) and Cs-137 in air particulate at around the NPP site candidate in West Kalimantan

Abstract

Measurements of natural radionuclide (NORMs) and artificial radionuclide in airborne particulates obtained from around prospective site area of Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), in West Kalimantan, Bengkayang have been carried out. In the NPP development plan, the radionuclide data from potential sites should be measured to determine the baseline environmental data. The objective research was to obtain ambient air quality data from the radiological aspects of the gamma transmitter around of NPP site area. The data is then used to compile environmental documents related to location permits in the NPP development plan. Sampling was carried out from February to April 2020, at locations up to 10 km from the area of NPP site prospective (Sungai Raya Village, Bengkayang, West Kalimantan). The radionuclide measured using a Gamma Spectrometer with HP Ge detector and analysis using Maestro software. The results showed that there were several natural radionuclides 238U and their decay series (226Ra, 210Pb), 232Th and their decay series (228Th), 40K, and 137Cs of the artificial radionuclide in airborne particulate samples. In general, the concentration activity of that natural radionuclide (238U, 232Th and their decay series) is still below the threshold value of the Indonesian Nuclear Energy Regulatory Agency (BAPETEN), while the artificial radionuclide 137Cs still within the world range. Natural radionuclide and their decay sequence are estimated to be purely from the environment, whereas the 137Cs from the fallout.