Assessment of the Effects of Coal Fired Power Plant on the Waters of the Area

Full text: The paper deals with the assessment of natural radioactivity levels in a bay of the Croatian coast. The study was conducted by the Radiation Protection Unit of the Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health in Zagreb as a part of an extensive monitoring program, including critical localities in the Croatian environment. The coal fired power plant (CFPP) as well as its slag and ash pile are situated in the bay, close to the seaside. Our aim was to determine natural radioactivity levels in the waters of the area due to CFPP operation and slag and ash deposit. The level of radioactivity was assessed in all types of water: surface waters, groundwater, well waters and sea water in the coastal area. Radioactivity levels measured all water samples, including sea water, did not show a significant departure in comparison to the results obtained over the past few years. Although these data prove that there are no grounds for any concern, further regular measurements are necessary. (author)