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Influence of fiber type and amount of reinforcing fibers on radon exhalation in uranium tailings’ overburden under high temperature environment. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-023-08763-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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2
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Liu Z, Lin Y, Hoover J, Beene D, Charley PH, Singer N. Individual level spatial-temporal modelling of exposure potential of livestock in the Cove Wash watershed, Arizona. ANNALS OF GIS 2022; 29:87-107. [PMID: 37090684 PMCID: PMC10117392 DOI: 10.1080/19475683.2022.2075935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Personal exposure studies suffer from uncertainty issues, largely stemming from individual behavior uncertainties. Built on spatial-temporal exposure analysis and methods, this study proposed a novel approach to spatial-temporal modeling that incorporated behavior classifications taking into account uncertainties, to estimate individual livestock exposure potential. The new approach was applied in a community-based research project with a Tribal community in the southwest United States. The community project examined the geospatial and temporal grazing patterns of domesticated livestock in a watershed containing 52 abandoned uranium mines (AUMs). Thus, the study aimed to 1) classify Global Positioning System (GPS) data from livestock into three behavior subgroups - grazing, traveling or resting; 2) calculate the daily cumulative exposure potential for livestock; 3) assess the performance of the computational method with and without behavior classifications. Using Lotek Litetrack GPS collars, we collected data at a 20-minute-interval for 2 flocks of sheep and goats during the spring and summer of 2019. Analysis and modeling of GPS data demonstrated no significant difference in individual cumulative exposure potential within each flock when animal behaviors with probability/uncertainties were considered. However, when daily cumulative exposure potential was calculated without consideration of animal behavior or probability/uncertainties, significant differences among animals within a herd were observed, which does not match animal grazing behaviors reported by livestock owners. These results suggest that the proposed method of including behavior subgroups with probability/uncertainties more closely resembled the observed grazing behaviors reported by livestock owners. Results from the research may be used for future intervention and policy-making on remediation efforts in communities where grazing livestock may encounter environmental contaminants. This research also demonstrates a novel robust geographic information system (GIS)-based framework to estimate cumulative exposure potential to environmental contaminants and provides critical information to address community questions on livestock exposure to AUMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoming Liu
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Joseph Hoover
- Department of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies, Montana State University Billings, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Daniel Beene
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Perry H. Charley
- Dine Environmental Consultant, Beclabito Chapter, Navajo Nation, NM, USA
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A Methodology to Assess the Historical Environmental Footprint of In-Situ Recovery (ISR) of Uranium: A Demonstration in the Goliad Sand in the Texas Coastal Plain, USA. MINERALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/min12030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In-situ recovery (ISR) has been the only technique used to extract uranium from sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in the Pliocene Goliad Sand in the Texas Coastal Plain. Water plays a crucial role throughout the ISR lifecycle of production and groundwater restoration yet neither the water use nor other environmental footprints have been well documented. The goal of this study is to examine historical records for all six ISR operations completed in the Goliad Sand to identify and quantify parameters that indicate the surface and aquifer disturbances, water use, and radon emissions. Overall, the average mine area was 0.00023 ± 0.00006 acres per pound (ac/lb) U3O8. The average mine pore volume was 48.9 ± 50 gal/lb U3O8 with a minimum affected aquifer volume of 0.51 ± 0.08 cubic feet per pound (cu ft/lb) U3O8. An average of 258 ± 40 gallons (gal) of fluid were disposed per pound (lb) U3O8, with an average of 169 ± 26 gal/lb U3O8 attributed to restoration and 89 ± 36 gal/lb U3O8 attributed to the uranium production phase. The average radon emitted was 1.06 × 10−3 ± 7.4 × 10−4 curies per pound (Ci/lb) U3O8. Goodness-of-fit (R2) values are ≥0.79 for linear regressions of the amount of uranium produced versus mine area, mine pore volumes, mine aquifer volumes, water pumped, and total water disposed. The R2 value for radon emitted was 0.68. However, the water disposed only during the uranium production phase is more strongly correlated to the number of production days (R2 = 0.96) than to uranium production (R2 = 0.84), whereas the volume of water disposed during restoration is more strongly correlated to the “pore volume” (R2 = 0.97) than to uranium production (R2 = 0.90). Pore volume is an industry term used to describe the amount of fluid circulated through the aquifer during the uranium production period and stipulated in bond agreements in order to satisfy groundwater restoration requirements. Models constructed in this study can be used to estimate probable water use and the extent of surface and aquifer disturbances associated with ISR-amenable undiscovered uranium resources in the Goliad Sand. The historical perspective offered by the data compiled and correlations may prove useful to both industry and regulators.
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Lasheen ESR, Rashwan MA, Osman H, Alamri S, Khandaker MU, Hanfi MY. Radiological Hazard Evaluation of Some Egyptian Magmatic Rocks Used as Ornamental Stone: Petrography and Natural Radioactivity. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14237290. [PMID: 34885445 PMCID: PMC8658492 DOI: 10.3390/ma14237290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Magmatic rocks represent one of the most significant rocks due to their abundance, durability and appearance; they can be used as ornamental stones in the construction of dwellings. The current study is concerned with the detailed petrography and natural radioactivity of seven magmatic rocks. All are commercial granitic rocks and are identified as black Aswan, Nero Aswan, white Halayeb, Karnak, Verdi, red Hurghada and red Aswan. Their respective mineralogical compositions are classified as porpheritic granodiorite, granodiorite, tonalite, monzogranite, syenogranite, monzogranite and syenogranite. A total of nineteen samples were prepared from these seven rock types in order to assess their suitability as ornamental stones. Concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclides were measured using NaI (Tl) scintillation gamma-ray spectrometry. Among the studied magmatic rocks, white Halayeb had the lowest average values of 226Ra (15.7 Bq/kg), 232Th (4.71 Bq/kg) and 40K (~292 Bq/kg), all below the UNSCEAR reported average world values or recommended reference limits. In contrast, the other granitic rocks have higher values than the recommended limit. Except for the absorbed dose rate, other radiological hazard parameters including radium equivalent activity, annual effective dose equivalent, external, and internal hazard indices reflect that the White Halyeb rocks are favorable for use as ornamental stone in the construction of luxurious and high-demand residential buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- El Saeed R. Lasheen
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo P.O. Box 11884, Egypt;
| | - Mohammed A. Rashwan
- Geological Sciences Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohooth St. (Former El Tahrir St.), Dokki, Giza P.O. Box 12622, Egypt;
| | - Hamid Osman
- Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; (H.O.); (S.A.)
| | - Sultan Alamri
- Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; (H.O.); (S.A.)
| | - Mayeen U. Khandaker
- Centre for Applied Physics and Radiation Technologies, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Mohamed Y. Hanfi
- Institute of Physics and Technology, Ural Federal University, St. Mira, 19, 620002 Yekaterinburg, Russia
- Nuclear Materials Authority, Maadi, Cairo P.O. Box 530, Egypt
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +7-(982)-646-63-57
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Natural Radioactivity, Radiological Hazard and Petrographical Studies on Aswan Granites Used as Building Materials in Egypt. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11146471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The present study was carried out on commercial types of Aswan granite used as building and decorative materials. Nearly 29 granitic rocks samples from 11 classes (black Aswan, red Aswan, dark Rosa, light Rosa, yellow Verdi, grey Shirka, Gandolla, Forsan, red Nefertiti, Royal, and white Halayeb) were collected from three stations near Aswan city for petrographical description and assessment of natural radioactivity. The petrographical study of granites was conducted by polarized-light microscope in order to determine their mineralogical composition and investigate their texture; the activity of the natural radionuclides 238U, Ra226, 232Th, and 40K was measured by gamma-ray spectrometry with a NaI(Tl) detector. The average values of the activities, 52.2 Bq kg−1, 57.8 Bq kg−1, 31.2 Bq kg−1, and 1055.7 Bq kg−1 of U-238, Th-232, Ra-226, and K-40, respectively, were higher than that the world average values of 35 Bq kg−1, 30 Bq kg−1 and 400 Bq kg−1 for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, according to the recommended levels from UNSCEAR reports. The minimum and maximum values obtained were compared with the value ranges from other locations in the Eastern Desert, highlighting the fact that that the maximum values obtained in this work are higher than those in other areas. According to the radiological hazards indices results, most samples lie in the permissible level ranges, suggesting their favorability for use as building materials. In contrast to that, some samples have some environmental parameters higher than the international levels, indicating their unsuitability as building materials.
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Beg IA, Sahu P, Panigrahi DC. Multivariate regression analysis to assess the 222Rn exhalation rates from uranium ores and their relative contributions to the 222Rn concentration in the underground uranium mine atmosphere. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2021.109484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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7
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Semenova Y, Pivina L, Zhunussov Y, Zhanaspayev M, Chirumbolo S, Muzdubayeva Z, Bjørklund G. Radiation-related health hazards to uranium miners. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:34808-34822. [PMID: 32638305 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09590-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Concerns on health effects from uranium (U) mining still represent a major issue of debate. Any typology of active job in U mines is associated with exposure to U and its decay products, such as radon (Rn), thorium (Th), and radium (Ra) and its decay products with alpha-emission and gamma radiation. Health effects in U miners have been investigated in several cohort studies in the USA, Canada, Germany, the Czech Republic, and France. While public opinion is particularly addressed to pay attention to the safety of nuclear facilities, health hazard associated with mining is poorly debated. According to the many findings from cohort studies, the most significant positive dose-response relationship was found between occupational U exposure and lung cancer. Other types of tumors associated with occupational U exposure are leukemia and lymphoid cancers. Furthermore, it was found increased but not statistically significant death risk in U miners due to cancers in the liver, stomach, and kidneys. So far, there has not been found a significant association between U exposure and increased cardiovascular mortality in U miners. This review tries to address the current state of the art of these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliya Semenova
- Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
- CONEM Kazakhstan Environmental Health and Safety Research Group, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Lyudmila Pivina
- Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
- CONEM Kazakhstan Environmental Health and Safety Research Group, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | | | | | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- CONEM Scientific, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Toften 24, 8610, Mo i Rana, Norway.
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Haanes H, Finne IE, Skjerdal HK, Rudjord AL. Indoor and Outdoor Exposure to Radon, Thoron and Thoron Decay Products in a NORM Area with Highly Elevated Bedrock Thorium and Legacy Mines. Radiat Res 2019; 192:431-439. [PMID: 31390308 DOI: 10.1667/rr15403.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Radon (222Rn) and thoron (220Rn), and especially their short-lived decay products, are major contributors to dose received by the public from naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), particularly in areas with elevated levels of naturally occurring radionuclides. Mining in such areas can involve ventilation of high amounts of these gases, which may influence outdoor levels. In this work, we assessed indoor and outdoor levels of 222Rn, 220Rn and 220Rn decay products (TnDP) in close proximity to an area with elevated bedrock levels of thorium (232Th) and a NORM legacy mining site with high natural ventilation. We assess municipal buildings at distances from a few hundred meters to 2 km from the NORM legacy mines. In some buildings, high indoor levels of 222Rn were observed in winter, as expected for temperate areas. In summer, high indoor levels of 222Rn and 220Rn were observed in some buildings, and very low associated levels of TnDP in actively ventilated buildings may suggest entry by ventilation and an outdoor source. Outdoor levels of TnDP increased with decreased distance from the legacy mines, suggesting dispersal from these during both summer and winter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallvard Haanes
- Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, 0213 Skøyen, Norway.,Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD CoE), NO-1432 Ås, Norway
| | | | | | - Anne Liv Rudjord
- Norwegian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, 0213 Skøyen, Norway.,Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD CoE), NO-1432 Ås, Norway
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9
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El Aassy IE, Shabaan DH, Ibrahim EM. Environmental impacts of waste produced from processing of different uraniferous rock samples. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Doaa H. Shabaan
- Physics Department, Faculty of Women for Art, Science and Education, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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10
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Abdel Ghany H, El Aassy IE, Ibrahim EM, Gamil S. White sand potentially suppresses radon emission from uranium tailings. Radiat Phys Chem Oxf Engl 1993 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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11
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Haanes H, Finne IE, Kolstad T, Mauring A, Dahlgren S, Rudjord AL. Outdoor thoron and progeny in a thorium rich area with old decommissioned mines and waste rock. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2016; 162-163:23-32. [PMID: 27214284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Radon (222Rn), thoron (220Rn) and their decay products may reach high levels in areas of high natural background radiation, with increased risk associated with mining areas. Historically, the focus has mostly been placed upon radon and progeny (RnP), but recently there have been reports of significant contributions to dose from thoron progeny (TnP). However, few direct measurements of TnP exist under outdoor conditions. Therefore, we assessed the outdoor activity concentrations of radon, thoron and TnP in an area of igneous bedrock with extreme levels of radionuclides in the thorium decay series. The area is characterized by decommissioned mines and waste rock deposits, which provide a large surface area for radon and thoron emanation and high porosity enhancing exhalation. Extreme levels of thorium and thoron have previously been reported from this area and to improve dose rate estimates we also measured TnP using filter sampling and time-integrating alpha track detectors. We found high to extreme levels of thoron and TnP and the associated dose rates relevant for inhalation were up to 8 μSvh-1 at 100 cm height. Taking gamma irradiation and RnP into account, significant combined doses may result from occupancies in this area. This applies to recreational use of the area and especially previous and planned road-works, which in the worst case could involve doses as large as 23.4 mSv y-1. However, radon and thoron levels were much more intense on a hot September day than during time-integrated measurements made the subsequent colder and wetter month, especially along the ground. This may be explained by cold air observed flowing out from inside the mines through a drainage pipe adjacent to the measurement stations. During warm periods, activity concentrations may therefore be due to both local exhalation from the ground and air ventilating from the mines. However, a substantially lower level of TnP was measured on the September day using filter sampling, as compared to what was measured with time-integrative alpha track detectors. A possible explanation could be reduced filter efficiency related to the attached progeny of some aerosol sizes, but a more likely cause is an upwards bias on TnP detectors associated with assumed deposition velocity, which may be different in outdoor conditions with wind or a larger fraction of unattached progeny. There is thus a need for better instrumentation when dealing with outdoor TnP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallvard Haanes
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, P.O. Box 55, 1332 Østerås, Norway; Centre for Environmental Radioactivity (CERAD CoE), P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway.
| | - Ingvild E Finne
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, P.O. Box 55, 1332 Østerås, Norway
| | - Trine Kolstad
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, P.O. Box 55, 1332 Østerås, Norway
| | - Alexander Mauring
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, P.O. Box 55, 1332 Østerås, Norway
| | - Sven Dahlgren
- Buskerud Telemark Vestfold County Councils, Fylkeshuset, P.O. 2163, NO-3103 Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Anne Liv Rudjord
- Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, P.O. Box 55, 1332 Østerås, Norway
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12
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Yu SL, Dai Y, Cao XH, Zhang ZB, Liu YH, Ma HJ, Xiao SJ, Lai ZJ, Chen HJ, Zheng ZY, Le ZG. Adsorption of uranium(VI) from aqueous solution using a novel magnetic hydrothermal cross-linking chitosan. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-016-4898-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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13
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Catalano R, Immé G, Mangano G, Morelli D, Aranzulla M, Giammanco S, Thinova L. In situ and laboratory measurements for radon transport process study. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-015-4336-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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14
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Panigrahi DC, Mishra DP, Sahu P, Bhowmik SC. Assessment of radiological parameters and radiation dose received by the miners in Jaduguda uranium mine, India. ANN NUCL ENERGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anucene.2014.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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15
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Ongori JN, Lindsay R, Newman RT, Maleka PP. Determining the radon exhalation rate from a gold mine tailings dump by measuring the gamma radiation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2015; 140:16-24. [PMID: 25461511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/19/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The mining activities taking place in Gauteng province, South Africa have caused millions of tons of rocks to be taken from underground to be milled and processed to extract gold. The uranium bearing tailings are placed in an estimated 250 dumps covering a total area of about 7000 ha. These tailings dumps contain considerable amounts of radium and have therefore been identified as large sources of radon. The size of these dumps make traditional radon exhalation measurements time consuming and it is difficult to get representative measurements for the whole dump. In this work radon exhalation measurements from the non-operational Kloof mine dump have been performed by measuring the gamma radiation from the dump fairly accurately over an area of more than 1 km(2). Radon exhalation from the mine dump have been inferred from this by laboratory-based and in-situ gamma measurements. Thirty four soil samples were collected at depths of 30 cm and 50 cm. The weighted average activity concentrations in the soil samples were 308 ± 7 Bq kg(-1), 255 ± 5 Bq kg(-1) and 18 ± 1 Bq kg(-1) for (238)U, (40)K and (232)Th, respectively. The MEDUSA (Multi-Element Detector for Underwater Sediment Activity) γ-ray detection system was used for field measurements. The radium concentrations were then used with soil parameters to obtain the radon flux using different approaches such as the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) formula. Another technique the MEDUSA Laboratory Technique (MELT) was developed to map radon exhalation based on (1) recognising that radon exhalation does not affect (40)K and (232)Th activity concentrations and (2) that the ratio of the activity concentration of the field (MEDUSA) to the laboratory (HPGe) for (238)U and (40)K or (238)U and (232)Th will give a measure of the radon exhalation at a particular location in the dump. The average, normalised radon flux was found to be 0.12 ± 0.02 Bq m(-2) s(-1) for the mine dump.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joash N Ongori
- Department of Physics, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Robert Lindsay
- Department of Physics, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa.
| | - Richard T Newman
- Department of Physics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch 7602, South Africa
| | - Peane P Maleka
- Department of Nuclear Physics, iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Sciences (LABS), P. O. Box 722, Somerset West 7129, South Africa
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16
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Panigrahi DC, Sahu P, Mishra DP. An improved mathematical model for prediction of air quantity to minimise radiation levels in underground uranium mines. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2015; 140:95-104. [PMID: 25461521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Ventilation is the primary means of controlling radon and its daughter concentrations in an underground uranium mine environment. Therefore, prediction of air quantity is the vital component for planning and designing of ventilation systems to minimise the radiation exposure of miners in underground uranium mines. This paper comprehensively describes the derivation and verification of an improved mathematical model for prediction of air quantity, based on the growth of radon daughters in terms of potential alpha energy concentration (PAEC), to reduce the radiation levels in uranium mines. The model also explains the prediction of air quantity depending upon the quality of intake air to the stopes. This model can be used to evaluate the contribution of different sources to radon concentration in mine atmosphere based on the measurements of radon emanation and exhalation. Moreover, a mathematical relationship has been established for quick prediction of air quantity to achieve the desired radon daughter concentration in the mines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patitapaban Sahu
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad 826 004, India
| | - Devi Prasad Mishra
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad 826 004, India.
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17
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Assessment of inhalation exposure potential of broken uranium ore piles in low-grade uranium mine. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-014-3288-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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18
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Sahu P, Mishra DP, Panigrahi DC, Jha V, Patnaik RL, Sethy NK. Radon emanation from backfilled mill tailings in underground uranium mine. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2014; 130:15-21. [PMID: 24412814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Coarser mill tailings used as backfill to stabilize the stoped out areas in underground uranium mines is a potential source of radon contamination. This paper presents the quantitative assessment of radon emanation from the backfilled tailings in Jaduguda mine, India using a cylindrical accumulator. Some of the important parameters such as (226)Ra activity concentration, bulk density, bulk porosity, moisture content and radon emanation factor of the tailings affecting radon emanation were determined in the laboratory. The study revealed that the radon emanation rate of the tailings varied in the range of 0.12-7.03 Bq m(-2) s(-1) with geometric mean of 1.01 Bq m(-2) s(-1) and geometric standard deviation of 3.39. An increase in radon emanation rate was noticed up to a moisture saturation of 0.09 in the tailings, after which the emanation rate gradually started declining with saturation due to low diffusion coefficient of radon in the saturated tailings. Radon emanation factor of the tailings varied in the range of 0.08-0.23 with the mean value of 0.21. The emanation factor of the tailings with moisture saturation level over 0.09 was found to be about three times higher than that of the absolutely dry tailings. The empirical relationship obtained between (222)Rn emanation rate and (226)Ra activity concentration of the tailings indicated a significant positive linear correlation (r = 0.95, p < 0.001). This relationship may be useful for quick prediction of radon emanation rate from the backfill material of similar nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patitapaban Sahu
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad 826 004, Jharkhand, India
| | - Devi Prasad Mishra
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad 826 004, Jharkhand, India.
| | - Durga Charan Panigrahi
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad 826 004, Jharkhand, India
| | - Vivekananda Jha
- Environmental Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
| | - R Lokeswara Patnaik
- Environmental Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
| | - Narendra Kumar Sethy
- Environmental Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
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Yu XF, Liu YH, Zhou ZW, Xiong GX, Cao XH, Li M, Zhang ZB. Adsorptive removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution by hydrothermal carbon spheres with phosphate group. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-014-3081-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Mishra DP, Sahu P, Panigrahi DC, Jha V, Patnaik RL. Assessment of (222)Rn emanation from ore body and backfill tailings in low-grade underground uranium mine. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:2305-2312. [PMID: 24057960 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-2137-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents a comparative study of (222)Rn emanation from the ore and backfill tailings in an underground uranium mine located at Jaduguda, India. The effects of surface area, porosity, (226)Ra and moisture contents on (222)Rn emanation rate were examined. The study revealed that the bulk porosity of backfill tailings is more than two orders of magnitude than that of the ore. The geometric mean radon emanation rates from the ore body and backfill tailings were found to be 10.01 × 10(-3) and 1.03 Bq m(-2) s(-1), respectively. Significant positive linear correlations between (222)Rn emanation rate and the (226)Ra content of ore and tailings were observed. For normalised (226)Ra content, the (222)Rn emanation rate from tailings was found to be 283 times higher than the ore due to higher bulk porosity and surface area. The relative radon emanation from the tailings with moisture fraction of 0.14 was found to be 2.4 times higher than the oven-dried tailings. The study suggested that the mill tailings used as a backfill material significantly contributes to radon emanation as compared to the ore body itself and the (226)Ra content and bulk porosity are the dominant factors for radon emanation into the mine atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devi Prasad Mishra
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, 826 004, India.
| | - Patitapaban Sahu
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, 826 004, India
| | | | - Vivekanand Jha
- Environmental Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400 085, India
| | - R Lokeswara Patnaik
- Environmental Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400 085, India
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Sahu P, Mishra DP, Panigrahi DC, Jha V, Patnaik RL. Radon emanation from low-grade uranium ore. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2013; 126:104-114. [PMID: 23974076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2013.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Revised: 06/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Estimation of radon emanation in uranium mines is given top priority to minimize the risk of inhalation exposure due to short-lived radon progeny. This paper describes the radon emanation studies conducted in the laboratory as well as inside an operating underground uranium mine at Jaduguda, India. Some of the important parameters, such as grade/(226)Ra activity, moisture content, bulk density, porosity and emanation fraction of ore, governing the migration of radon through the ore were determined. Emanation from the ore samples in terms of emanation rate and emanation fraction was measured in the laboratory under airtight condition in glass jar. The in situ radon emanation rate inside the mine was measured from drill holes made in the ore body. The in situ(222)Rn emanation rate from the mine walls varied in the range of 0.22-51.84 × 10(-3) Bq m(-2) s(-1) with the geometric mean of 8.68 × 10(-3) Bq m(-2) s(-1). A significant positive linear correlation (r = 0.99, p < 0.001) between in situ(222)Rn emanation rate and the ore grade was observed. The emanation fraction of the ore samples, which varied in the range of 0.004-0.089 with mean value of 0.025 ± 0.02, showed poor correlation with ore grade and porosity. Empirical relationships between radon emanation rate and the ore grade/(226)Ra were also established for quick prediction of radon emanation rate from the ore body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patitapaban Sahu
- Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad - 826 004, Jharkhand, India
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Zhang X, Wang J, Li R, Liu Q, Li L, Yu J, Zhang M, Liu L. Efficient removal of uranium(VI) from aqueous systems by heat-treated carbon microspheres. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 20:8202-8209. [PMID: 23716076 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-013-1788-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
In this study, uranium(VI) was successfully removed from aqueous solutions using heat-treated carbon microspheres based on a batch adsorption technique. Influence of the parameters, such as solution pH, contact time, initial uranium(VI) concentration, and temperature on the removal efficiency have been investigated in detail. The results reveal that the maximum adsorption capacity of the heat-treated carbon microspheres toward uranium(VI) is 92.08 mg g(-1), displaying a high efficiency for the removal of uranium(VI) from aqueous solution. The experimental data are analyzed using sorption kinetic models. It is revealed that the process obey the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, the determining step might be chemical sorption. The thermodynamic parameters, such as ΔH°, ΔS°, and ΔG° show that the process is endothermic and spontaneous. This work provides an efficient, fast, and convenient approach for the removal of uranium(VI) from aqueous solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Superlight Material and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, People's Republic of China
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Zhang X, Wang J, Li R, Dai Q, Gao R, Liu Q, Zhang M. Preparation of Fe3O4@C@Layered Double Hydroxide Composite for Magnetic Separation of Uranium. Ind Eng Chem Res 2013. [DOI: 10.1021/ie3024438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Zhang
- College
of Material Science and Chemical Engineering and ‡The Key Laboratory of Superlight
Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin
150001, PR China
| | - Jun Wang
- College
of Material Science and Chemical Engineering and ‡The Key Laboratory of Superlight
Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin
150001, PR China
| | - Rumin Li
- College
of Material Science and Chemical Engineering and ‡The Key Laboratory of Superlight
Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin
150001, PR China
| | - Qihui Dai
- College
of Material Science and Chemical Engineering and ‡The Key Laboratory of Superlight
Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin
150001, PR China
| | - Rui Gao
- College
of Material Science and Chemical Engineering and ‡The Key Laboratory of Superlight
Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin
150001, PR China
| | - Qi Liu
- College
of Material Science and Chemical Engineering and ‡The Key Laboratory of Superlight
Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin
150001, PR China
| | - Milin Zhang
- College
of Material Science and Chemical Engineering and ‡The Key Laboratory of Superlight
Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin
150001, PR China
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Saad AF, Abdallah RM, Hussein NA. Radon exhalation from Libyan soil samples measured with the SSNTD technique. Appl Radiat Isot 2013; 72:163-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 09/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A F Saad
- Physics Department, Faculty of Science, University of Benghazi, Benghazi, Libya.
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Tan K, Liu Z, Xia L, Lv J, Hu H. The influence of fractal size distribution of covers on radon exhalation from uranium mill tailings. RADIAT MEAS 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2011.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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26
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Current State of Development of Electricity-Generating Technologies: A Literature Review. ENERGIES 2010. [DOI: 10.3390/en3030462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Sahoo B, Mayya Y, Sapra B, Gaware J, Banerjee K, Kushwaha H. Radon exhalation studies in an Indian uranium tailings pile. RADIAT MEAS 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radmeas.2010.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Vearrier D, Curtis JA, Greenberg MI. Technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009; 47:393-406. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650902997849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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