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Analysis Study Research Paper | Radiological Sciences | Nigeria | Volume 12 Issue 7, July 2023
Risk Assessment of Background Radionuclides Doses in a Nigerian Local Government's Soil with Statistical Analyses
Isa Sambo [2] | Abuh Rafiu A. [2]
Abstract: The environment around humans has always included ionizing radiation including the cosmic radiation and naturally occurring radioactive materials found in the earth's crust. With technological advancement and man's discovery of atomic and nuclear energy, man-made nuclear applications, particularly in the generation of electricity, are continuously expanding, and there are chances of being exposed to ionizing radiation. In this study, soil samples from a local government in Nigeria were tested for background radionuclides (40K, 238U, 232Th), including artificial source, 137Cs, using a 76x76mm NaI (Tl) detector crystal. The results showed that the activity concentrations in the soil were higher than the safe limit for 40K and 238U but lower for 232Th when compared to the global average value and soil in other areas. Apart from two sample locations, all of the soil samples contained 137Cs. The calculated radiological parameters have higher values than the global recommended values. A correlation analysis shows a very high positive relationships among the radionucludes and the parameters while a cluster anaylsis confirmed that 40K and 238U are the two radionuclides which contaminate the soil in the study area the most. The soil is therefore determined to be radiologically unsafe for use as agricultural land and building materials. The region should be strictly controlled for ongoing public and environmental assessment monitoring, it is advised.
Keywords: Risk, Radionuclides, Doses, Nigeria
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 7, July 2023,
Pages: 887 - 897