Radioelemental characterization of fly ash from Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station, Maharashtra, India

Natural radioactivity due to the presence of 40K, 238U and 232Th was measured in fly ash samples collected from economizer, aerator and electrostatic precipitator (EP) of the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) using a NaI (Tl)-based gamma ray spectrometer. The study indicates an elevated concentration of these radionuclides, especially in the finer ash samples from EP, which may provide an exposure pathway through inhalation of airborne ashes and could probably cause severe environmental and human health problems. The present study gains significance as it provides the requisite basic data on the radionuclides concentration in fly ash from CSTPS for a detailed follow up of environmental monitoring and to formulate effective management strategies.