ASSESSMENTS OF RADIOLOGICAL LEVELS AND ELEMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS IN SOILS FROM AWWAL AND BAGEGA GOLD MINING SITES IN KEBBI AND ZAMFARA STATES, NIGERIA
ASSESSMENTS OF RADIOLOGICAL LEVELS AND ELEMENTAL CONCENTRATIONS IN SOILS FROM AWWAL AND BAGEGA GOLD MINING SITES IN KEBBI AND ZAMFARA STATES, NIGERIA
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2012-12
Authors
SHEHU, GIRIGISU
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The research work was prompted by increase in artisan gold mining activities in the zone;
processes being carried out without protection against possible radiation and contamination
hazards. Radiological Indices and Toxicological levels were assessed and compared. Three sets of
detecting systems were deplored to execute the research work. Awwal results shows that 40K
activity is distinctly higher than 232 Th and it ranges between 2.89 and 1176.96 Bq kg -1 with a
mean activity of 425.96 ± 5.56 Bq kg -1. 232 Th concentration ranges from 3.47 to 74.52 Bq Kg -1
with a mean activity of 18.80 ± 1.21 Bq kg -1. 226Ra concentration ranges from 3.79 to 44.15 Bq
kg -1 with a mean activity of 23.85 ± 2.01 Bq kg -1. The average outdoor gamma dose rates ranged
from 8.89 to107.81 nGy h -1 with a mean value of 34.26 nGy h -1 which agrees well with the
global average values. The effective dose rate ranged between 10.93 and 132.61μSv y -1 with a
mean value of 42.15 μSv y -1 ( = 0.042 mSvy-1), which is just less than 0.07 mSv y -1 given in
UNCLEAR 1993 as the worldwide representative value. The result of the radium equivalent is
found to be well below 250Bq/Kg; far below the maximum limit of 370Bq/kg set for radiation
hazard. Bagega results revealed the 40K activity ranges from 94.17 to 775.56 Bq kg -1 with a
mean activity of 370.79±7.98 Bq kg -1. The 232 Th concentration ranges from 10.01 to 18.99 Bq
Kg -1 with a mean activity of 16.86 ± 0.94 Bq kg -1 . The 226Ra concentration ranges from 0.76 to
47.06Bq kg -1 with a mean activity of 18.3 ± 1.77 Bq kg -1. The average outdoor gamma dose for
soil ranged from 3.93 to 119.75 nGy h -1 with a mean value of 27.25 nGy h -1 which agrees well
with the global average values. The effective dose rate ranged between 4.82 and 146.97μSv y -1
with a mean value of 33.44 μSv y -1 , which is much less compare to 0.07 mSv y -1 given in
UNSCEAR as the worldwide representative value. From a radiological point of view, these values
are low and do not imply any significant concerns on the health effects on the local population
outdoors, as the values are generally not significantly higher than the world average dose
equivalents to individuals from soil. The elemental analysis revealed Lead(Pb) and silicon exists
at very high concentrations. Both of them possess immediate and latent Hazards to health. Hence
in view of the unprofessional practices of the miners, the miners, the villagers and its visitors are
at risk if the trend is left unchecked.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL, AHMADU
BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA NIGERIA
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MASTERS OF
SCIENCE IN RADIATION BIO-PHYSICS
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
NIGERIA
DECEMBER, 2012.
Keywords
ASSESSMENTS,, RADIOLOGICAL,, LEVELS,, ELEMENTAL,, CONCENTRATIONS,, SOILS,, AWWAL,, BAGEGA,, GOLD, MINING,, KEBBI,, ZAMFARA STATES,, NIGERIA.