Natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in soil around coal-fired Plomin thermal power plant (Istria, Croatia): What is the plant influence and what controls it?

Lovrenčić Mikelić, Ivanka; Ernečić, Gorana; Barišić, Delko (2024) Natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in soil around coal-fired Plomin thermal power plant (Istria, Croatia): What is the plant influence and what controls it?. Fuel, 371 (Part A). ISSN 0016-2361

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Abstract

Massic activities of 40K, 226Ra, 232Th, 238U, and 137Cs were determined by gamma-spectrometry in soil samples collected around Plomin thermal power plant (TPP) at three radial distances from the plant, along the profile in the prevailing wind direction within 1 km distance from the plant, and at three soil depths. Spatial distribution of radionuclides in topsoil and subsoil around Plomin TPP and its dependence on distance from the plant, soil depth, and wind direction were studied. The purpose was to determine the influence of fly ash, bottom ash, and coal from Plomin TPP on surrounding soil and to establish a baseline for radionuclides’ activities around the plant. Strong plant impact on 226Ra and 238U (elevated) activities in soil was determined. Probable impact on 40K and 232Th was also determined, but it was relatively weak. The strongest impact is generally within 1 km distance from the plant, but it may reach the distances of 10 km or more although with much weaker intensity. The strongest impact is recorded in areas SW and NW from the plant, respectively. The most influential parameters for distribution of 40K, 226Ra, 232Th, and 238U were distance from the plant and wind direction. The most influential parameters for 137Cs distribution were soil depth and precipitation pattern. NE wind (bora) and SE wind (sirocco) influence the most on deposition of particles from the plant on the surrounding soil.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Adriatic Sea; Coal combustion; Radioactivity; Radionuclides; TENORM; TPP
Subjects:	NATURAL SCIENCES > Geology > Geology and Paleontology NATURAL SCIENCES > Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences > Environmental Science NATURAL SCIENCES > Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences > Radiation Science
Divisions:	Division for Marine and Enviromental Research Division of Experimental Physics
Projects:	Project title Project leader Project code Project type Radionuklidi i elementi u tragovima u okolišnim sustavima- Delko Barišić 098-0982934-2713 MZOS Masene aktivnosti radionuklida i maseni udjeli metala u tlu u okolici termoelektrane Plomin i procjena izloženosti tla letećem pepelu iz termoelektrane Ivanka Lovrenčić Mikelić 10-102/540-23-2013 UNSPECIFIED
Depositing User:	Ivanka Lovrenčić Mikelić
Date Deposited:	26 Nov 2025 12:16
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/10226
DOI:	10.1016/j.fuel.2024.131971

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