Radioactivity measurements in soils surrounding four coal-fired power plants in Serbia by gamma-ray spectrometry and estimated dose

Abstract

The study of spatial distribution of activity concentration of U-238, Ra-226, (210)pb, Th-232, K-40 and Cs-237 radionuclides in the surface soil samples (n = 42) collected in the vicinity of four coal-fired power plants in Serbia is presented. Radioactivity measurements in soils performed by gamma-ray spectrometry showed values [Bqkg(-1)] in the range: 15-117 for U-238, 21-115 for Ra-226, 33-65 for (210)pb, 20-69 for Th-232, 324-736 for K-40, and 2-59 for Cs-137. Surface soil radioactivity that could have resulted from deposition of radionuclides from airborne discharges or resuspension of ash from disposal sites showed no enhanced levels. It was found that variation of soil textural properties, pH values, and carbonate content influenced activity levels of natural radionuclides while radiocesium activities were associated with soil organic matter content. Modification of some soil properties was observed in the immediate vicinity ( lt 1 km) of power plants where the soil was more alkaline with coarser particles (0.2-0.05 mm) and carbonates accumulated. Calculated average values of the absorbed gamma dose rate and annual external effective dose originating from the terrestrial radionudides were 69.4 nGy/h and 0.085 mSv, respectively.