Natural radioactivity in lignite samples from open pit mines Kolubara, Serbia - risk assessment

Coal as fossil fuel mainly contains naturally occurring radionuclides from the uranium and thorium series and K-40. Use of coal, primarily in industry, as a result has dispersion of radioactive material from coal in and through air and water. The aim of this study was to determine the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in coal samples from open pit mines Kolubara and to evaluate its effect on population health. The results showed that all measured and calculated values were below the limits recommended in international legislation. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved