Natural radioactivity of coal in the context of radioecological safety and rational use

Abstract

Introduction. Environmental contamination with natural radioactive elements is an urgent ecological problem of the coal industry. Radiation hazard associated with natural radionuclides in coals and enclosing rock is a poorly studied problem requiring special attention. Radionuclides and their combustion products in coals, i. e. ash and slag waste and gas aerosol emissions, released into the biosphere, become the sources of pollution. Radiation monitoring is required in the course of geological prospecting, deposits development and rational use. The research aims to systematize research and analytical material on specific radioactivity of coal and their combustion products, and update the problem of radioecological safety monitoring. Methodology includes studying data on specific radioactivity of coal at various deposits, studying natural radioactivity of coal, enclosing rock and ash and slag waste, describing ash and slag waste and radon as a source of radioactive contamination, assessing potential radon hazard of mine workings, and analyzing ash composition characteristics for toxicologic estimation of ash dumps and their effect on the environment. Results. Generalized data on radionuclide concentration in coal burned at the CHP facilities, slag and fly ash are presented. Radionuclide specific concentration is much higher in ash and slag waste of coal heat power industry than in initial coal. It is caused by the radionuclide concentration in the products of coal combustion. Potential hazard of radon released from rock is revealed, and ash composition is characterised for toxicologic estimation of ash dumps. Conclusions. Uncontrolled coal combustion exacerbates the problem of radioecological safety due to radioactive aerosol emission and the formation of ash and slag waste with increased concentration of natural radionuclides. System monitoring of radioactivity level in the course of geological prospecting, mining, processing and combustion will allow reducing radionuclides entering the fuel cycle and environment.