Activity concentration of the uranium and thorium series and exhalation rates of 222Rn and 220Rn in building material derived from niobium residues

Abstract

One way to better manage mining waste may be to reduce its quantity by reusing it. Using waste as construction material in the case of the niobium industry might be feasible, even though it carries radioactive elements. This study evaluates the radiological impact of using niobium waste as a building material. Samples of niobium waste with and without granulometric classification were tested. Moreover, concrete proof bodies, concrete plates, and common commercially available aggregates and cement were radiologically assessed for comparison purposes. The main conclusion is that niobium waste might be both physically and radiologically suitable to manufacture concrete respecting boundary conditions.