Background Ionization Radiation Of Selected Water Factories In Yenagoa Metropolis Bayelsa State

Abstract

The research work was carried out at the water factories of both Allen T. water factory and Niger Delta University (NDU) water factory in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Radiation Monitoring Device- Radalert x100 was deployed in carrying out the study. The water factories were partitioned into ten different locations as indicated in the both Tables. The Background Ionizing Radiation (BIR) mean value of 0.016 mSv/y was recorded at Allen T. water factory as against the BIR mean value, 0.013 mSv/y as recorded at Niger Delta University (NDU) water factory. The mean Absorbed dose rate (AbD) of 0.140 nGy/h was recorded at Allen T. water factory as against the AbD mean value, 0.110 nGy/h as recorded at Niger Delta University (NDU) water factory. Annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) mean value of 0.215mSv/y was recorded at Allen T. water factory which is quite higher than the Annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) mean value of 0.168 mSv/y as recorded in Niger Delta University (NDU) water factory. The Excess life cancer risk (ELCR) mean value of 0.593 x10-3 recorded at Allen T. water factory was higher than the Excess life cancer risk (ELCR) mean value, 0.464 x10-3 as recorded at Niger Delta University (NDU) water factory. The values obtained were then compared to the World Permissible Limit as given by UNSCEAR 2000. The high radiological values as recorded at Allen T. water factory is mainly because of poor ventilation system, the absence of steel-coated equipment’s in the factory and the location of the factory close to human activities thereby contributing to the high-level of radiation.