Abstract
The mining and refinement of phosphate is characterised by high levels of uranium. An in situ gamma ray survey was done at the processing plant of a spent phosphate mine near Vredenburg on the west coast of South Africa in order to assess radionuclide concentrations. The concentrations of potassium, thorium and radioactive progeny of uranium were measured and plotted with the help of QGIS software. The results demonstrated high concentrations in specific areas of the plant. The highest concentrations were found to be 898 Bg/kg for potassium, 162 Bg/kg for 232 Th and 639 Bg/kg for 226 Ra. It was demonstrated that the refinement process technologically enhanced the naturally occurring radioactive nuclides and contaminated sections of the processing plant. The causes of the contamination was also investigated. The effective dose for the various parts of the processing plant was also estimated and the highest level was found to be 0.45 mSv/y. The article finally draws conclusions as to the environmental impact of the radiation and possible future preventative measures that could be followed in order to minimize pollution.
Highlights
High levels of uranium are typically associated with the phosphate industry and the mining of phosphate deposits
Such high levels of radioactive uranium can have a significant impact on humans and the natural environment, when concentrations are further enhanced through industrial processes like refinement [3,4]
Phosphate mining and refinement is characterized by high levels of radioactive uranium and its accompanying daughter nuclides, like radium
Summary
High levels of uranium are typically associated with the phosphate industry and the mining of phosphate deposits. The uranium concentrations are even higher when the phosphate deposits are of marine origin [1,2]. Such high levels of radioactive uranium can have a significant impact on humans and the natural environment, when concentrations are further enhanced through industrial processes like refinement [3,4]. Marine phosphate deposits were mined from 1943 to 1993 at a site near Vredenburg on the west coast of South Africa (Figure 1). The West Coast Fossil Park was founded on 22 September 1998 and several paleontological and environmental projects were initiated.
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