Evaluation of Radon Concentration in Soil Sample from Boreholes in Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The evaluation of radon concentration in soil sample from boreholes in Kaltungo local Government area of Gombe state, Nigeria have been carried out. A total of fifteen (15) soil samples were collected from different boreholes sites in five (5) different locations and were analyzed using Gamma spectrometry (Sodium Iodide with thallium NaI (TL) detector. The mean result of Radon activity concentration obtained varies from 0.86± 0.05 to 1.71± 0.03 Bqm-3 and the annual effective dose rate ranged from 0.0039 to 0.0077WLm/y respectively. The result shows variations in the radon concentration with various depths which indicates a relative dependence of radon concentration with depths. Comparing the results with the WHO recommended value of 100 Bqm-3 indicate that the mean values for all the boreholes soil samples were below the world recommended value. Also the mean values for all the boreholes soil samples were below the world average radon concentration of 40Bqm-3 (UNSCEAR). The values of AEDE obtained in various borehole soil samples were less than the ICRP world average. Therefore, the soil samples in each of the borehole may not pose any health threat to the residents.