Radiological implications of using phosphogypsum as building material: a case study of Brazil

Phosphogypsum, a waste byproduct derived from the production of phosphoric acid, is being worldwide stockpiled, posing concerns about the environmental problems originating from this practice. Considerations about the viability of the safe reuse of this material have been raised, among them its pot...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Barbara Paci Mazzilli, Marcia Pires Campos, Marcelo Bessa Nisti, Cátia Heloisa Rosignoli Saueia, Marcelo Francis Máduar
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Brazilian Radiation Protection Society (Sociedade Brasileira de Proteção Radiológica, SBPR) 2020-03-01
Series:Brazilian Journal of Radiation Sciences
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Online Access:https://bjrs.org.br/revista/index.php/REVISTA/article/view/1008
Description
Summary:Phosphogypsum, a waste byproduct derived from the production of phosphoric acid, is being worldwide stockpiled, posing concerns about the environmental problems originating from this practice. Considerations about the viability of the safe reuse of this material have been raised, among them its potential use as building material. However, as phosphogypsum can contain natural radionuclides in significant concentrations, using it as a building material has radiological implications, which presently prevent such application. In order to evaluate the feasibility of using phosphogypsum in the manufacturing of building elements such as bricks and plates, a comprehensive research was undertaken in Brazil, following a multiple approach. This research included studies related to: Brazilian phosphogypsum characterization; experimental determination of radon exhalation rate; and application of theoretical models to forecast both radon exhalation and external doses in dwellers. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the research carried out in Brazil is presented.
ISSN:2319-0612