Analysis of Radioactive Elements in Coal andCombustion Slag from Kangal Lignite Coal-Burning Thermal Power Plant

Abstract

Kangal thermal power plant in Sivas Province of Turkey utilize about seven million tons per year of low-grade quality lignite coal fuel. During lignite burning, huge amounts of fly ash, bottom ash, and slag are produced as residues or by-products. In this study, the concentrations of uranium (U), thorium (Th), and radioactive potassium (⁴°K) in lignite coal and slag samples were analysed using an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Enrichment ratio (ER), enrichment factor (EF), and radiogenic heat production (RHP) were also determined. Results revealed average concentrations of U, Th and ⁴°K for coal of 21.8-, 2.3- and 0.2-mg kg" and slags 45.8-, 10.6- and 0.7- mg kg', respectively. The estimated values of ER for U, Th and ⁴°K were found as 2, 8 and 3, respectively. Based on EF results, slag samples contained a very high enrichment of uranium. The average estimated values of RHP for coal and slag samples were 2.6- and 7.o-µW/m³, respectively.