Radio ecological research of the West Macedonia Lignite Center (Greece)

摘要

The study presents the distribution and correlation of 6 natural nuclides in the West Macedonia Lignite Center, Greece. 55 samples of lignite and steriles were collected perpendicular to the mine benches and measured spectroscopically. The results of this study indicated that the mean concentration of 238U and 226Ra in lignites was found to be higher than that in steriles, since these nuclides have been associated with the organic material of lignite. The ratio 226Ra: 228Ra in lignites was approximately double of that in steriles confirming that 226Ra mobility is more intensive in the coal matrix. Finally the dose rate in the mine due to the external gamma radiation was found roughly the same with the mean dose rate of terrestrial origin in Greece as well as in the world.