Activity concentration of NORM at reclaimed ex-coal mines in South Sumatra, Indonesia

• Published in: Physics and chemistry of the earth. Parts A/B/C 2024-06, Vol.134, p.103595, Article 103595
• Main Authors: Berliantoro, Fandy Ilham, Muharini, Anung, Wijaya, Gede Sutresna, Sardjono, Yohannes, Ismail, Zuhdi, Triatmoko, Isman Mulyadi, Hidayati, Nur Rahmah, Prasetio, Heru, Kasesaz, Yaser
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dose; Gamma-spectroscopy; Radioactivity; Reclamation
• ISSN: 1474-7065; 1873-5193
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pce.2024.103595

Unbeknownst to us, natural radiation is in close proximity to human existence. Post-mining practices can generate naturally occurring radionuclides that have the potential to cause radiological effects on human health. This study utilized soil samples obtained from ex-mining reclamation land in Banko Barat, South Sumatra Province, to assess the concentration of natural radioactivity and the corresponding radiation dose. Eight composite soil samples were collected from reclaimed land. The samples underwent processing and analysis through gamma spectrometry in order to ascertain the activity concentration of the radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K. The RESRAD-ONSITE 7.2 software utilizes the activity concentration of soil samples as an input parameter to accurately predict the dose rate for workers. The projected dose rate was determined by considering four routes of exposure: external gamma radiation, inhalation, radon, and ingestion of soil. The measured activity values of soil samples from reclamation land for 226Ra ranged from 25.6704 ± 0.5082 to 58.8555 ± 0.6917 Bq/kg. The activity values for 232Th ranged from 30.5546 ± 0.1757 to 42.53020.3004 Bq/kg. Lastly, the activity values for 40K ranged from 533.902 ± 6.4023 to 988.081 ± 9.6948 Bq/kg. The total effective dose rate measured in the reclaimed land falls between 0.08673 and 0.1469 millisieverts per year. The value does not surpass the maximum limit set by BAPETEN, which is one mSv/year. Therefore, no additional protective measures are required for workers. •Study on reclaimed mining land’s radioactivity and health impact.•The soil in Banko Barat was analyzed for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K via gamma spectrometry.•RESRAD-ONSITE 7.2 was used to predict radiation dose using various exposure routes.•The reclaimed land’s dose is under one mSv/year limit; no extra measures are needed.