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Remote sensing

Radioactive Elements in Coals Pose Radiological Risk in Turkey

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research conducted by Akdeniz University has examined the elemental geochemistry of lignites from various coalfields in Turkey, revealing high concentrations of radioactive elements that could pose a radiological risk when burnt. The study, which analyzed 48 samples from four sites, found high concentrations of uranium, thorium, and potassium in certain coalfields, particularly in the Manisa-Soma coalfield. The researchers used Geographical Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing methods to assess the environmental risk factors associated with the lignite radioactivity concentrations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found high concentrations of uranium (41.4 mg/kg), thorium (14.9 mg/kg), and potassium (0.8%) in certain coalfields in Turkey, particularly in the Manisa-Soma coalfield.
  • The calculated average Ra, Th, and K concentrations were analyzed for 48 samples taken from four sites.
  • The measured U, Th, Pb, and K concentrations were compared with world coals, Turkish coals, and Upper Continental Crust (UCC).
  • The natural radioactivity concentration levels of the Manisa-Soma coalfield were determined to pose a radiological risk.
  • The research concluded that the elemental geochemistry of lignites from various coalfields in Turkey requires careful examination to assess the environmental and health risks associated with lignite radioactivity concentrations.
  • The study used GIS and Remote Sensing methods to analyze 7 different classes of environmental risk factors.

Statistics:

  • 48 samples were taken from four sites in the study.
  • The concentrations of uranium, thorium, and potassium were analyzed for 48 samples.
  • The measured U, Th, Pb, and K concentrations were compared with world coals, Turkish coals, and UCC.
  • 7 different classes of environmental risk factors were analyzed using GIS and Remote Sensing methods.
  • The study found high concentrations of U (41.4 mg/kg) in Manisa-Soma coals and Th (14.9 mg/kg) and K (0.8%) in Kutahya-Tuncbilek coals.

Sources:

  • Spatial risk analysis of lignite radioactivity concentrations with GIS and remote sensing (case study of Turkiye coalfields). Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 2025;226:112218.
  • Akdeniz University. Department of Geographical Information System, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkiye.
  • Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd. The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.
  • NewsRx LLC. New Technology Findings from Akdeniz University Described [Spatial risk analysis of lignite radioactivity concentrations with GIS and remote sensing (case study of Turkiye coalfields)]. Journal of Engineering. October 20, 2025; p 2273.

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