Chemical and radiological profile of the coal ash landfill in Kastel Gomilica.

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical, radiological and leaching properties of slag and ash produced by a thermoelectric unit of a former factory Adriavinil and deposited in the area of Kasktel Gomilica near Split, Croatia. A total of 33 samples were analysed. The bioavailable fraction of the slag and ash was estimated using different leaching tests. The waste material was characterized by a high activity of naturally occurring radionuclides 238U, 235U and 226Ra and by elevated concentrations of heavy metals. The concentrations of most heavy metals were three to four times as high as in the common soil. Uranium slag and ash concentration was almost 40 times higher than in control soil. More than 37% of the total U could be removed from the slag and ash with the sea water.