Identification of industrial sectors involving NORM in Kosovo

This study presents a review of the first results on the identification of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) in the main industrial sectors of Kosovo: (i) the production of chemical fertilizers; (ii) processing of iron-nickel and lead-zinc metallic minerals; (iii) production of cements and (iv) production of electricity by coal-fired power plants. The activity concentrations of raw materials, products and residues was determined by using high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. The production of chemical fertilizers (non-active industry in Kosovo), was identified as an industrial sector of enhanced natural radioactivity, containing an average activity concentration of 385 ± 100 Bq/kg for 226Ra and negligible for 232Th and 40K. In general, was observed an increase of NORMs in tailing and slag residues from metallic minerals mining and processing, and in fly/bottom ash from coal-fired power plants. In the last case, both fly and bottom ash, used as raw material in the cement industry were controlled regarding the radiological point of view. In general, the obtained results show that industrial residues can be used as solid materials, recycled or conventionally dumped (conventional landfills). These results will be an important baseline information for implementing in the Kosovo legislation the recommendations of the Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom (2014) regarding the basic safety standards in radiation protection.