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Radiological hazard assessment around two lignite-fired power plants in Kosovo

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Abstract

The environmental radioactivity (40K, 238U, 232Th and 137Cs) in soils around Kosova-A and Kosova-B power plants is determined by high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry method. The annual effective dose rate calculated from the activity concentration of radionuclides in soil was found to be in good agreement with that measured in situ. The geographical distribution showed that the activity concentrations of 40K differently from 238U and 232Th, seems to have generally higher concentration in the downwind directions. A detailed investigation of soil profiles combined with meteorological conditions and lignite-FPP technical design is recommended to assess the environmental impact.

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Acknowledgements

This research has been carried out under Ministry of Education, Science and Technology research grant program 2016, Grant No. 1161/9.

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Correspondence to G. Xhixha.

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Kaçeli Xhixha, M., Hasani, F., Sahiti, F. et al. Radiological hazard assessment around two lignite-fired power plants in Kosovo. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 316, 389–395 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-018-5721-8

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