Radioactivity level of soil around a coal-fired thermal power plant of northwest China

Background: The activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in soil around a coal-fired thermal power plant of northwest China were investigated for assessing the radioactivity level. Materials and Methods: Soil samples were collected around the coal-fired thermal power plant and their radioactivity levels were determined using gamma ray spectrometry. Radiation hazards were assessed by radium equivalent activity (Raeq), air absorbed dose rate (D) and annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE). ResultsThe activity concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 ranged from 24.7 to 89.8, 38.4 to 122.3 and 206.7 to 573.8 Bq kg(-1) with an average of 49.7, 63.5 and 396.3 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The mean Raeq value was less than the recommended limit, while the mean values of D and AEDE were slightly higher than the corresponding world average. Conclusion: The coal-fired thermal power plant enhanced the natural radiation of surrounding soil environment.