Determination of radiological hazard indices from surface soil to individuals in Angwan Kawo Gold Mining Sites, Niger state, Nigeria

Abstract

The determination of radiological health hazard indices from soil samples has been carried out to assess the environmental impact assessment of gold mining activities in Angwan Kawo community in Niger state, Nigeria using NaI (TI) gamma ray spectroscopy. The radionuclide concentrations were determined using the sodium iodide [NaI (TI)] detector with a low background configuration. The results obtained show that the activity concentrations of 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K ranged from (20.43±0.04 to 86.45±3.83) (Bq/kg), (19.79±0.83 to 69.80±2.60) (Bq/kg) and (52.63±1.07 to 714.32±16.25) (Bq/kg) at the goldmine and (30.54±0.48 to 82.39±5.83) (Bq/kg), (54.63±0.83 to 114.92±2.91) (Bq/kg) and (290.74±7.08 to 600.44±16.24) (Bq/kg) at the processing zone, respectively. The results obtained were compared with the world mean values of 35, 30 and 400 Bq/kg, for 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 k, respectively. To assess the radiological hazard of the gold mining site the radiological hazard indices i.e., absorbed dose (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), radium equivalent activity (Raeq), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin) and gamma representative index (I) were calculated and found to be below the internationally recommended values. Based on this study finding, for the purpose of protection of mine workers and the public it is highly recommended that these sites should be regularly monitored and controlled in order to avoid any radiological impact to the population.

Electrochemical determination of the levels of lead and cadmium in soil samples from Niger and Ogun States, Nigeria: remediation potential with chitosan phosphate and implications for human health and disease

“…KA 01 was obtained from a grinding site while sample KA 02 was obtained from a washing site. The authors could not obtain samples from the mining sites which were located in Angwan Kawo where radionuclides on the surface soil have been reported [21].…”

Assessment of radionuclide distribution and associated radiological hazards of soils in Mayo-Belwa, Adamawa state

“…Research show that beach sediments and sands often used in building houses contain certain levels of naturally occurring radioactive materials resulting from primordial radionuclide of cosmic origin [39][40][41] A study conducted by Ref. [42] in Niger state on determination of radiological hazard indices from surface soil to individuals in Angwan kawo gold mining site indicated that radioactivity and absorbed doses were below the ICRP recommended public dose limit of 1 mSvy −1 . Another study conducted by Ref.…”

Natural radionuclide distribution and analysis of associated radiological concerns in rock samples from a rocky town (Dutsin-Ma) in the North-Western region of Nigeria

“…These activities also include mining, milling, and processing of uranium ores and mineral sands, smelting of metalliferous ores, manufacturing of fertilizers, and manufacturing of fertilizers [2]. In places with significant concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides, these substances may be found in high concentrations in the rocks, soil, groundwater, and surface water [3]. Numerous elements have resided in the Earth ′ s crust ever since it formed.…”