Background radiation level measurement using hand held dosimeter and gamma spectrometry in Ijebu-Ife, Ogun State Nigeria

Abstract

Background:The knowledge of distribution of radionuclides and background radiation levels in the environment is important for assessing the effects of radiation exposure due to both terrestrial and extra-terrestrial sources. Materials and Method:In-situ gamma dose survey and gamma spectrometry was employed to investigate background radiation levels in Ijebu-Ife. Results: In-situ gamma dose rates vary from 0.02 to 0.10 µSv/hr with mean value of 0.05 µSv/hr which is less than 0.133 μSv/hr, recommended by the ICRP. The resulting annual effective dose was below 1 mSv/yr maximum permissible limit for the general public set by the UNSCEAR, 2000. The activity concentrations of the three naturally occurring radionuclides in soils ranged from Below Detection Level (BDL) to 320.11 ± 28.53, 9.11 ± 1.65 and 8.55 ± 0.95 Bq/kg with mean values of 119.05 ± 11.24 Bq/kg, 4.44 ± 1.01 Bq/kg and 4.55 ± 0.62 Bq/kg respectively which are lower than the average values of 400, 35, and 30 Bq/kg recommended by the UNSCEAR, 2000 for 40 K, 226 Ra, and 232 Th respectively. The mean computed values for absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose and radium equivalent are 10.03 nGy/hr, 0.03 mSv/yr, 20.11 Bq/kg respectively, which fall within UNSCEAR, 2000 threshold. Conclusion: A significant positive relationship exists between the in-situ and evaluated effective dose equivalents (r = 0.89, p < 0.05). Radiation dose results indicate insignificant radiological risk, making the study area safe for living and agriculture purposes.

Assessment of Radiation Hazard Indices Due to Natural Radionuclides in Soil Samples from Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria

“…Also, the soil radionuclides’ activity concentrations were comparable to other related studies conducted within and outside Nigeria. 4, 43 - 51 Eke et al 4 and Olagbaju et al 51 obtained lower activity concentrations of 226 Ra ( 238 U) compared to the present study. Egunyinka et al 42 and Ugbede et al 47 recorded higher activity concentrations of 226 Ra ( 238 U) compared to the present study.…”

Radiological assessment of commonly food crops in Southwestern Nigeria

“…The Earth naturally contains radionuclides like thorium, uranium, and radium, distributed across geological formations such as soil, water, and plants [1][2][3][4]. The radioactivity in our environment results from a combination of natural processes and human activities, including industrial mining and farming.…”

“…This essential information is core for human exposure estimation from sources of radiation either natural or man-made. In addition, it is substantial in rules establishment and radiation protection regulations [1,17].…”