Radioactivity of 210Po in the environmental samples from Kapar, Malaysia

Abstract

ABSTRACT 

Various environmental samples (seawater, TSS, sediment, rainwater and fly ash) from eight different stations near Kapar coastal area were analyzed. The ²¹⁰Po activity concentrations in liquid samples (seawater and rainwater) varied between 0.34 ± 0.03 mBq L^-1 to 22.44 ± 0.53 mBq L^-1. Whereas the concentrations in particulate samples (TSS, sediment and fly ash) varied between 43.79 ± 2.31 Bqkg^-1 to 364.48 ± 5.43 Bqkg^-1. Results also showed the radioactivity in Kapar coastal is higher than most of Malaysian coast, reaching a factor of seven. This condition is mainly due to the operation of a coal-fired power plant nearby. This study also clarify the variability of ²¹⁰Po in environment was strongly influenced from rainfall events especially during wet seasons.

 ABSTRAK 

Pelbagai sampel persekitaran (air laut, TSS, sedimen, air hujan dan abu terampai) daripada lapan stesen yang berbeza berdekatan persisir pantai Kapar telah dianalisis. Kepekatan aktiviti ²¹⁰Po di dalam sampel cecair (air laut dan air hujan) adalah  berubah-ubah antara 0.34 ± 0.03 mBq L^-1 hingga 22.44 ± 0.53 mBq L^-1. Manakala kepekatannya di dalam sampel partikel (TSS, sedimen dan abu terampai) berubah-ubah antara 43.79 ± 2.31 Bqkg^-1 hingga 364.48 ± 5.43 Bqkg^-1. Keputusan juga menunjukkan keradioaktifan di kawasan persisir pantai Kapar adalah tinggi berbanding kebanyakan kawasan persisir pantai di Malaysia, menjangkau tujuh kali ganda. Keadaan ini berpunca daripada operasi penjanaan elektrik menggunakan arang batu yang berdekatan. Kajian ini juga turut menerangkan perubahan ²¹⁰Po di persekitaran adalah kuat dipengaruhi oleh kehadiran hujan terutamanya ketika musim basah (musim hujan).