The mapping and investigation of radionuclide pollution in the processing plant of a spent phosphate mine by using GIS techniques

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dc.contributor.authorBezuidenhout, Jacquesen_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2019-11-12T07:49:24Z
dc.date.available2019-11-12T07:49:24Z
dc.date.issued2018
dc.descriptionCITATION: Bezuidenhout, J. 2018. The mapping and investigation of radionuclide pollution in the processing plant of a spent phosphate mine by using GIS techniques. South African Journal of Geomatics, 7(3):345-359, doi:10.4314/sajg.v7i3.11.
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at http://www.sajg.org.za
dc.description.abstractThe mining and refinement of phosphate is characterised by high levels of uranium. An in situ gamma ray survey was done at the processing plant of a spent phosphate mine near Vredenburg on the west coast of South Africa in order to assess radionuclide concentrations. The concentrations of potassium, thorium and radioactive progeny of uranium were measured and plotted with the help of QGIS software. The results demonstrated high concentrations in specific areas of the plant. The highest concentrations were found to be 898 Bq/kg for potassium, 162 Bq/kg for 232Th and 639 Bq/kg for 226Ra. It was demonstrated that the refinement process technologically enhanced the naturally occurring radioactive nuclides and contaminated sections of the processing plant. The causes of the contamination were also investigated. The effective dose for the various parts of the processing plant was also estimated and the highest level was found to be 0.45 mSv/y. The article finally draws conclusions as to the environmental impact of the radiation and possible future preventative measures that could be followed in order to minimize pollution.en_ZA
dc.description.urihttp://www.sajg.org.za/index.php/sajg/article/view/682
dc.description.versionPublisher's version
dc.format.extent15 pages
dc.identifier.citationBezuidenhout, J. 2018. The mapping and investigation of radionuclide pollution in the processing plant of a spent phosphate mine by using GIS techniques. South African Journal of Geomatics, 7(3):345-359, doi:10.4314/sajg.v7i3.11
dc.identifier.issn2225-8531 (online)
dc.identifier.otherdoi:10.4314/sajg.v7i3.11
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/106829
dc.language.isoen_ZAen_ZA
dc.publisherCONSAS
dc.rights.holderAuthor retains copyright
dc.subjectPollution -- South Africa -- West Coasten_ZA
dc.subjectPhosphate mines and mining -- Radioactive contaminationen_ZA
dc.subjectEnvironmental impact analysis -- South Africa -- Vredenburgen_ZA
dc.subjectRadioisotopesen_ZA
dc.subjectGeographic information systemsen_ZA
dc.subjectRadioactive substancesen_ZA
dc.subjectRadiation -- Measurementen_ZA
dc.titleThe mapping and investigation of radionuclide pollution in the processing plant of a spent phosphate mine by using GIS techniquesen_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA
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