A GIS-based approach for radiation risk assessment around a thermal power plant towards adopting remedial measures

Abstract

Coal combustion in thermal power plants releases ash, which is reported to cause adverse health hazards in humans and other organisms. Owing to the presence of radionuclides, it is also considered as a potential radiation hazard. In this study, based on the surface radiation measurements and relevant ancillary data, expected radiation risk zones were identified with regard to human population residing near a thermal power plant using GIS. With population density as the vulnerability determining criterion, about 20% of the study area was in the 'high' risk zone and another 20% in the 'low' risk zone. The remaining 60% was under 'medium' risk zone. Based on the findings of this study, greenbelt locations have been proposed as a remedial measure.