Assessment of direct radiological risk and indirect associated toxic risks originated by Coal-Fired Power Plants

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2011

Authors

Dinis, ML (Author) FEUP; Fiuza, A (Author) FEUP; Gois, J (Author) FEUP; José Soeiro Carvalho (Author) FEUP; Castro, ACM (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Radioprotection

Vol. 46

Pages: S137-S143

ISSN: 0033-8451

Publisher: EDP Sciences

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-1XB

DOI: 10.1051/radiopro/20116898s

Abstract (EN): Over the past few decades there has been some discussion concerning the increase of the natural background radiation originated by coal-fired power plants, due to the uranium and thorium content present in combustion ashes. The radioactive decay products of uranium and thorium, such as radium, radon, polonium, bismuth and lead, are also released in addition to a significant amount of K-40. Since the measurement of radioactive elements released by the gaseous emissions of coal power plants is not compulsory, there is a gap of information concerning this situation. Consequently, the prediction of dispersion and mobility of these elements in the environment, after their release, is based on limited data and the radiological impact from the exposure to these radioactive elements is unknown. This paper describes the methodology that is being developed to assess the radiological impact due to the raise in the natural background radiation level originated by the release and dispersion of the emitted radionuclides. The current investigation is part of a research project that is undergoing in the vicinity of Sines coal-fired power plant (south of Portugal) until 2013. Data from preliminary stages are already available and possible of interpretation.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7