Seminario

Il giorno 15 aprile presso la sala riunione 412 ilProf. Banu Yoho (Ege University, Institute of Nuclear Sciences (Izmir, Turkey)) terra' un seminario dal titolo

The Enrichment of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) and Heavy Metals in the Terrestrial Environment

Abstract

The measurement of natural radioactivity in the environment from naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) is significant for evaluating the radiological impact of non-nuclear industrial activities. Industries dealing with raw materials containing various concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides often produce large amounts of waste. Coal-fired power plants are widely used worldwide to generate electricity. Coal, residues, and waste produced by combustion contain naturally occurring radionuclides such as 238U, 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K and heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Zn. These radionuclides and heavy metals become enriched in ash fractions during combustion. During high-temperature processes in the furnace, volatile and semi-volatile elements and radionuclides are partially emitted to the environment, resulting in the redistribution of these elements, especially in the surface soil around coal-fired power plants. Metal pollution, which is one of the most important environmental problems for many parts of the world, can enter the food chain, affect the entire ecosystem and pose a risk for human health.
Another major industrial waste product is bauxite residue (red mud), a residue from the Bayer process used in alumina (Al2O3) production from bauxite. The residues contain naturally occurring radionuclides such as 238U, 232Th and 40K and toxic elements such as Al, Cr, Co, Mn and Ni. Due to its high alkalinity and the significant amount of radioactive elements and rare-earth elements (REEs) contents, red mud should be evaluated as an environmental problem. On the other hand, these waste materials may potentially be used as an industrial by-product. When re-using these residues, it is of importance to evaluate the radioactive and toxic elements, chemical composition, and the leaching features of these materials.
This study explores the enrichment and redistribution of NORM and heavy metals in industrial waste materials, highlighting their environmental impact and potential pathways for sustainable management