Effect of Radionuclides Present in Lignite Fly Ash on Soil and Crop Produce

Abstract

AbstractCoal/lignite contains various organic and inorganic substances including trace quantities of radionuclides. The coal releases some natural radioactive elements in the form of their oxides ultimately to the environment during its combustion and redistributes these radioactive elements in the surface soil, which are of human health concern. In view of the current research on fly ash as soil ameliorant, the present study deals with the presence of three natural radionuclides (Ra226, Th232, and K40) in the lignite fly ash and their mobilization through the amendment of lignite fly ash to the soil and crop produce. The study shows the variation in the content of radionuclides in soil, lignite fly ash, and crop produce depending on types of soil and fly ash; mobilization of the radionuclides from soil/fly ash to the plant, and interactions between radionuclides and soil, etc. The content of the radionuclides in the soil, lignite fly ash, and crop produce is within the permissible limits.