Abstract
Gross alpha and beta activity concentrations in soil, cassava and fluted pumpkin (leaf and stem) were investigated using a gas flow proportional counter. The gross alpha activity concentrations for the fluted pumpkin were between 3.55 and 13.95 Bq/Kg and 3.53 and 3.61 Bq/Kg for the leaves and stems, respectively. The gross alpha activity concentrations for cassava and soil samples ranged from 0.07 to 0.60 Bq/Kg and 0.35 to 0.53 Bq/Kg, respectively while the gross beta activity concentrations ranged from 0.43 to 0.89 Bq/Kg and 0.46 to 1.04 Bq/Kg for the cassava and soil samples, respectively. The gross alpha and beta activity concentrations in cassava, fluted pumpkin and soils samples have been determined using alpha/beta spectroscopy. The result of thestudy showed that the Iva-valley coal mine area has lower gross alpha and beta activity concentrations compared to other areas of the country. This shows that the coal mining activities in the area may not have increased the radiation burden of the area. Key words: Gross, alpha, beta, concentration, activity, food, crop.
Highlights
Geographical location upon the earth surface influences the level of terrestrial radiation as a result of the radionuclides concentration in soil which largely depend on the local geology (Farai and Jibiri, 2000; Jibiri and Bankole, 2006)
The result of thestudy showed that the Iva-valley coal mine area has lower gross alpha and beta activity concentrations compared to other areas of the country
This shows that the coal mining activities in the area may not have increased the radiation burden of the area
Summary
Geographical location upon the earth surface influences the level of terrestrial radiation as a result of the radionuclides concentration in soil which largely depend on the local geology (Farai and Jibiri, 2000; Jibiri and Bankole, 2006). Fluted pumpkin and cassava are food sources largely consumed daily in Nigeria, this make them potential radioactive contamination pathway for the local population. Fluted pumpkin which is a leafy vegetable is found in most delicacies consumed in Nigeria, whereas cassava (a tuber) constitutes one of the major food sources for carbohydrates. The analysis of these radionuclides in soil and food stuffs is an important part of the environmental monitoring program. These natural radioactive sources are the largest contributor of the radiation dose received by mankind. This researched is aimed at estimating the level of radionuclide concentrations found in these staple food sources
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