Gamma isotopic analysis of the coals and ashes from coal fired power plants of Turkey

Abstract

Gamma-isotopic analysis of the ashes produced by the combustion of lignite in power stations of Turkey together with the parent coal samples was performed with the aim to estimate its potential adverse impacts on human health. Gamma-isotopic analysis indicated that all samples contained226Ra (coal samples: 89–148 Bq kg−1; ash samples: 15–26 Bq kg−1),238U (coal samples: 2–4 μg g−1; ash samples: 9–33 μg g−1),232Th (coal samples: 1–9 μg g−1; ash samples: 8–12μg g−1), and40K (coal samples: 26–67 Bq kg−1; ash samples: not detected).134Cs and137Cs have not been found in the samples.