Impact on Air Quality of Radioactivity Concentration 0-3 K.M Radial Range from Panipat Thermal Power Plant

Natural radioactivity is ubiquitous on Earth, primarily originating from uranium, thorium, and potassium. Radon-222 (²²²Rn), a naturally occurring radioactive gas and a decay product of Radium-226 (²²⁶Ra), is part of the Uranium (²³⁸U) decay chain. Coal-based thermal power stations release emissions in both gaseous and particulate forms, containing radioisotopes that contribute to radiation exposure in the surrounding environment. This study presents the findings of measurements conducted twenty air samples through a sensitive tool for detecting nuclear radiation Digital Geiger Muller Counter (GQ GMC-300E Plus) to estimate natural radioactivity discharged into the atmosphere within the radial range 0-3 k.m from the Panipat Thermal Power Station as origin, located in Panipat, Haryana, with an installed capacity of approximately 1367.8 MW(e). The results for ambient gamma dose rates at the sites of study radioactivity concentration in the ranged from 0.52 Bq/m3 to 0.77 Bq/m3, which is below to the global average for airborne radioactivity according to United States Environment Protection Agency recommendations. it states that overall air of studied radial region around Panipat Thermal Power Plant is found within the safe range of radiological risk and not harmfully affecting the environment.

NITESH*1, SUNITA DAHIYA2, JAIVIR SINGH3 and ANKIT4 Click here to download file

Research Article | Published online : 31-Dec-2023