RADIATION PROTECTION ›› 2021, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (4): 343-350.

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Investigation of natural radioactive environment in a bone coal mine area, in She County, Anhui Province

WEI Xinxiang1,2, ZHANG Linxi3, KUANG Fuxiang4, XU Naizheng4   

  1. 1. East China University of Technology, Nanchang 330032;
    2. Jiangxi Water Resource Institute, Nanchang 330013;
    3. Jiangxi Nuclear Industry College Bureau Testing Center, Nanchang 330002;
    4. China Geological Survey Nanjing Geological Survey Center, Nanjing 210016
  • Received:2020-04-02 Online:2021-07-20 Published:2021-09-23

Abstract: The γ-radiation air absorbed dose rate and radon concentration were measured in the She County coal mine area of Anhui Province, and the environmental media (soil, rock, stone coal, coal slag, coal gangue, sediment, surface water and groundwater) were systematically collected and analyzed. The results showed that the average gamma dose rate in the mine region is 121.5 nGy/h, which is much higher than the background value of Anhui Province and entire China. The gamma radiation level is controlled by the stratum/lithology, and the high value points are concentrated in bone coal mine. The mean concentrations of indoor and outdoor radon were 116.8 Bq/m3 and 47.1 Bq/m3 respectively, which were significantly higher than the background level. The concentration of 238U and 226Ra in bone coal, coal slag, coal gangue and carbonized brick is high, and the internal and external exposure index of carbonized bricks exceeds the radionuclide limit of building materials, so it is strictly prohibited to use them as main building materials. The development of bone coal has caused a significant increase in the concentration of radionuclides in the surrounding river sections, and the total α in the mine water exceeds the sewage discharge limit. Therefore supervision should be strengthened.

Key words: stone coal, natural radioactivity, γ dose rate, She Country

CLC Number: 

  • X830