Utilization of trace elements and radioactivity in fly ash to assess pollution levels around coal-fired power plants

In this study, the results showed that the soil radioactivity concentrations of 232Th and 40K were higher than the reference values given by UNSCEAR, but still within radiologically safe limits. Heavy metal concentrations were within allowable limit according to Vietnamese standards. Radioactivity and metal concentrations in the topsoil did not increase compared with the 30 cm depth after a period of operation. After one year of operation, the gamma dose rates of the area around the plant showed no difference according to the one-way ANOVA test (p = 0.944). The results indicated that after a period of operation, the coal-fired thermal power plant did not shown any significant impact of radioactivity and metals from the fly ash on the surrounding environment.