Assessment of radioactivity concentration in ashes at some coal-fired power plants in Viet Nam

Abstract

      Coal plays an important role in the development of energy industries around the world. However, ash and slag (products of coal combustion) containing radioactivity and toxic metals discharged from thermal power plants are a concern for the environment. In this study, we use the HPGe gamma spectrometer system to determine the radioactive concentration in coal - fly ash - slag samples from thermal power plants and the enhancement factor in some coal-fired power plants in Viet Nam. . The results showed that the radioactive concentrations in the samples were quite diverse, the radioactive concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in the samples were all below the average levels announced by UNSCEAR 1982. On average, the radioactive concentrations in the samples decreased. Gradually in order: Fly ash > slag > Coal. The increase in natural radioactivity concentration in coal combustion products is quite diverse from 1.22 (Slag/Coal) of ⁴⁰K in sample DH3 –D1 to 5.21 (Ash/Coal) of ²³²Th in sample VT 4 - D.1. Radiation data provides motivation to develop and promote the application of new, more advanced technology to reduce pollution and environmental impacts from thermal power plants.