Abstract
Coal is the major source of energy in South Africa (SA). Depending on the area from where the coal is mined, it contains varying amounts of radioactive elements. Because of combustion, the concentration of most radioactive elements in coal combustion residues (CCRs) are multiple times higher than the concentration in the original coal. When compared with the rest of the world, limited information regarding the main radioactive elements from SA CFPPs is available in the public domain. Hence, this thesis aims to characterise the radioactive elements in coal and CCRs from a selection of CFPPs and to determine their potential human health risks. The information will provide insights to the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) of SA and may assist in the formation of a radiological regulatory basis for coal in the country....
Ph.D. (Geology)