Work

Study of health hazards associated with natural radioactivity in coal of Mach coal mines, Balochistan, Pakistan

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The measurement of natural radioactivity in coal samples plays a vital role in investigating the radiological health hazards related to coal combustion, mining and disposal. This study was conducted to measure the natural radioactivity and associated health hazards in coal samples collected from Mach coal mines, district Kachhi, Balochistan by using High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The concentration ranged from 41.25 ± 1.13 to 102.56 ± 3.35 Bq kg −1 for 226 Ra, 39.71 ± 1.23 to 127.85 ± 3.21 Bq kg −1 for 232 Th and 40.88 ± 1.2 to 168.34 ± 3.98 Bq kg −1 for 40 K with average values 74.44 ± 2.31, 85.07 ± 2.06 and 113.30 ± 2.99 Bq kg −1 , respectively. The values of 226 Ra and 232 Th were found higher than permissible limits, while in the case of 40 K all values were found less than permissible limit. The values of radium equivalent activity (Ra eq ), internal (H in ) and external (H ex ) hazards indices were found less than permissible limits. Pearson correlation test shows strong positive correlations between the radionuclides measured in this study. Similarly, frequency distribution, Q-Q and box plots show normal distribution of the radionuclides in the coal samples. Based on the radiological hazards indices, coal mines of Mach do not pose significant health hazards.

Source: Journal of Radiation Research and Applied Sciences

DOI: 10.1016/j.jrras.2025.102032

Authors: Nassar Alnassar, Yahya Khan, Nisar Ahmad, Mohammad Bakhsh

Institutions: Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Qassim University

Language: English

Topic: Radioactivity and Radon Measurements

Subfield: Radiological and Ultrasound Technology

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,400