Radiological hazards and environmental impact of natural radioactivity and heavy metals in by-product and topsoil around a Malaysian coal-fired thermal power plant
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This study assessed radiological and heavy metal (HM) contamination in coal, bottom ash (BA), fly ash (FA), and topsoil within a 5 km radius of a coal-fired power plant (CFPP) in Malaysia. The 226Ra(238U), 232Th, and 40K levels in coal, BA, and FA were within regulatory limits, though the FA sample’s average 40K concentration (632.4 Bq/kg) exceeded typical Malaysian soil levels. Some topsoil samples outside the plant showed 232Th and 40K levels higher than usual but remained compliant. Most HM levels in coal were below Dutch/Malaysian standards, except for Cd. BA samples had Cr and Cd above target levels by factors of 1 and 4. FA showed As, Cu, Zn, and Cd concentrations 2–10 times higher than targets. Topsoil exhibited As levels 1–4 times over target values, with Cr, Cu, and Zn also exceeding standards. ANOVA results showed no 226Ra(238U), 232Th, 40K, or HM accumulation in topsoil due to FA or BA from the CFPP. Elevated radionuclide and HM levels in topsoil beyond the plant were likely linked to other industries. Annual effective dose (AEDE) was slightly over 1 mSv/y. Pollution indices indicated significant contamination in FA and some topsoil, with As as a major contributor.
Abstract
This study assessed radiological and heavy metal (HM) contamination in coal, bottom ash (BA), fly ash (FA), and topsoil within a 5 km radius of a coal-fired power plant (CFPP) in Malaysia. The 226Ra(238U), 232Th, and 40K levels in coal, BA, and FA were within regulatory limits, though the FA sample’s average 40K concentration (632.4 Bq/kg) exceeded typical Malaysian soil levels. Some topsoil samples outside the plant showed 232Th and 40K levels higher than usual but remained compliant. Most HM levels in coal were below Dutch/Malaysian standards, except for Cd. BA samples had Cr and Cd above target levels by factors of 1 and 4. FA showed As, Cu, Zn, and Cd concentrations 2–10 times higher than targets. Topsoil exhibited As levels 1–4 times over target values, with Cr, Cu, and Zn also exceeding standards. ANOVA results showed no 226Ra(238U), 232Th, 40K, or HM accumulation in topsoil due to FA or BA from the CFPP. Elevated radionuclide and HM levels in topsoil beyond the plant were likely linked to other industries. Annual effective dose (AEDE) was slightly over 1 mSv/y. Pollution indices indicated significant contamination in FA and some topsoil, with As as a major contributor.