Detection of Radionuclides in Soils around Çan Coal-Fired Power Plant

Beside gases and solid pollutants, radioactive substances released from the chimneys of coal fired power plants have various negative impacts on both environmental quality and human health. Çan coal-fired power plant with fluidized bed system and a capacity of 2x160 MW located in Canakkale province of Turkey has been operating since 2004. Soil samples were taken in this study from the rangelands around Çan thermal power plant and natural (236Ra, 232Th ve 40K) and artificial radionuclides (137Cs) were analyzed in these samples. Representative samples were taken from 0-5 cm soil depth of 15 different locations. Radionuclides were carried out by high resolution gamma ray spectrometry. The average activity concentrations of 236Ra, 232Th, 40K, and 137Cs were found to be 21.60±7.58, 37.33±10.17, 469.20±122.10 and 11.50±5.55 Bq/kg, respectively. Radiation hazard parameters were calculated for the research site. Correlation and cluster analyses were also performed between radionuclides and soil characteristics. Present findings revealed that the research site did not bear any radiological risks.