Assessment of rare earth elements, Th and U profile of a site for a potential coal based power plant by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Abstract

To study the compositional trends of rare earth elements (REEs: La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Yb, Lu), Th and U in soil samples collected from a site for a potential coal based power plant as well as to conduct a preliminary assessment of environmental impact of the proposed power plant in terms of REEs, Th and U, we have analyzed nine soil samples by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Evaluation of data quality by repeated analysis of IAEA-Soil-7 and IAEA-SL-1 ensures a proper data base-line for the REEs, Th and U abundances of the sampling site. Chondrite-normalized abundance patterns demonstrate the heavy REEs–light rare earth elements and Th–U fractionations in our sample suite along with significant negative Eu anomaly. Thorium/U ratio in our study area ranges from 4.55 to 6.07 which is higher than that of upper continental crust. Preliminary assessment of environmental impact of the proposed power plant is evaluated by taking NIST-SRM-1633b (coal-fly-ash) as contaminant as coal-fly-ash will be the major byproduct of the power plant. Previous literature studies and our prevailing data invoke that proposed power plant will have no severe impact on soil originated biota and on human health in terms of REEs, Th and U abundances. However, the long term effect of excessive REEs, Th and U as well as the other elemental abundances originating from coal-fly-ash should also be taken into an account.

Indexical and statistical approaches to investigate the integrated origins of elements in the sediment of Teesta River, Bangladesh: sediment quality and ecological risk assessment

“…, kaolinite and illite). 14,77,81 Aside from this, a very high correlation between typical lithophile elements Th and U ( r = 0.886; p < 0.01) (Table S5†) in this study demonstrated similar sedimentary characteristics and was hypothesized to be governed by wave hindering heavy minerals, namely monazite [(La, Ce, Nd, Th) PO 4 ] (Th-rich mineral) and zircon (ZrSiO 4 ) (U-rich mineral). 1,82 As a result, in an oxidizing environment, Th is weather-resistant (remains as insoluble Th 4+ ), but U transforms into a soluble oxyanion-complex (UO 2 ) and may easily be depleted from sediment by leaching and/or weathering.…”

Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil Samples around Rampal, Bangladesh

“…Bangladesh is undergoing rapid industrialization with gradually evolving environmental legislation, just like other emerging nations throughout the world. The greatest mangrove forest is in Rampal, a southern region of Bangladesh, where a coal-fired power plant has been planned to be developed. , The environment surrounding the power plant location includes soil as a key element. For the evaluation of upcoming pollution problems, a substantial number of industrial establishments are expected to be built at Rampal in addition to the coal-based power station.…”

Utilization of INAA Technique for Studying the Negative Impact of Human Activities on Coral Reefs in the Quseir harbour area

“…Tb and Yb concentrations were found to be 0.05±0.01 and 0.41±0.03 respectively. The assessment of the content of Th and U is essential from a radiological standpoint, since it indicates the radioactive influence on coastal marine sediments [22]. In the Quseir harbour area, the average concentrations of U and Th were 2.8±0.26 mg/kg and 0.26±0.02 mg/kg, respectively.…”