Changes in radioactivity of 226 Ra and natural uranium in environmental water according to coal mine operation

Activities of 226 Ra and natural U in mine discharge, Krabi and water from natural resources nearby were investigated. The average 226 Ra activities in water upstream, downstream and site discharge were 0.0052 ± 0.0002, 0.0272 ± 0.0003 and 0.0342 ± 0.0002 Bq/l and that for natural U were 0.0125 ± 0.0007, 0.0348 ± 0.0008 and 0.0934 ± 0.0004 Bq/l, respectively. Mine discharge contain higher activity became diluted when discharged into the natural water resources. Based on the safety level stated by the US.EPA., the mine operating did not cause any radiological effect onto the surrounding environment. There is evidence of leaching of radioactivity from coal mineral. Therefore, radiological study is necessary in order to provide information relevant to possible impacts of coal mining