Determining the Effects of Waste Coal Ash on Landfill Radon Levels.
Abstract
Coal contains trace amounts of the primary radionuclides (40)K, and elements of the 4n ((232) Th), 4n+2 ((238) U), and 4n+3 ((235) U) series including(220) Rn and (222) Rn. Combustion of coal by electric power and heat plants result in concentration of noncombustible mineral matter, including most of the radionuclides, in the coal ash. The increased radiation due to the concentration of radionuclides is known as technologically enhanced natural radiation. The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of landfilled coal ash on one specific aspect of technologically enhanced natural radiation, radon levels. Soil samples were collected from the ash landfill at Wright Patterson AFB and from several background locations, analyzed using gamma spectroscopy, and the (226)Ra activities compared. The landfill (226)Ra activity (4.78 plus or minus 1.58 pCi/g) was 2.95 times higher than background (1.62 plus or minus 0.04 pCi/g). Estimated outdoor and indoor radon emanation at the landfill are predicted to be enhanced by the same factor compared to background. Additionally, the indoor radon concentration calculated in a hypothetical structure built on the landfill (11.48 pCi/l) was above the Environmental Protection Agency's action level of 4.0 pCi/l. p10
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA306367
Entities
People
- Richard S. Krysiak Jr
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology