Natural radioactivity assessment of coal combustion residues produced in Indian thermal power plants using high-purity germanium detector

Abstract

Abstract Huge amount of coal combustion residue (CCR) is being generated in India every year. Since coal contains some natural radionuclides, the CCR may contribute to the enhanced natural radiation background. Hence, it is important to monitor the natural radioactivity levels in Indian CCR samples. The present study aims to estimate the natural radioactivity levels in CCRs produced in Indian thermal power plants. Accordingly, six CCR samples from different thermal power plants were collected and packed to achieve secular equilibrium among daughter products of 226Ra. The samples were counted for activity of gamma radionuclides using high purity germanium detector based high resolution gamma spectrometer. Results show that 40K is the most abundant among analyzed radionuclides, and the lowest was observed for 226Ra. Secular equilibrium was observed between 228Ra and 228Th, whereas no equilibrium was observed between 226Ra and 238U. The activity concentration for 226Ra and its daughter products (214Pb and 214Bi) was found to be similar in CCR sample before and after equilibrium, indicating that progenies are in secular equilibrium in CCR. The X ray diffraction analysis of CCR indicates the presence of aluminosilicate as major fraction, which has potential of trapping of 226Ra and daughter products. The values observed are very low and similar to those observed in naturally occurring radioactive materials such as coal, soil, and sediment, hence are not of radiological concern with respect to human/environment.