A study on seasonal variations of Po-210 levels in a coal burning power station area of Malaysia

摘要

In order to evaluate the possible radiological impact to the environment from a coal burning power plant., Po-210 concentrations in water, suspended matter (TSS), and surface sediment samples collected from the Kapar coastal area, is investigated. Results show that the mean Po-210 concentrations are 0.69 +/- 0.34 mBql(-1), 85.90 +/- 65.62 Bqkg(-1) and 33.19 +/- 14.85 Bqkg(-1) in water, TSS and sediment, respectively. About 99% of them are associated with the particulate phase of water. Comparatively, higher Po-210 values have been observed when compared to the values shown in literature, which is suspected to be the impact of coal burning. The calculated values of Kd range from 9x10(5) to 381.1X10(5) Lg(-1) and show a negative log Kd versus the TSS correlation. An attempt has been made to investigate the seasonal variation pattern of Po-210 accumulation in the marine environment and a clear relationship is revealed with higher Po-210 concentration during the northeast monsoon period.