Abstract
The radioactivity of rocks from Dangote Cement excavation site in Gboko, Benue State were monitored and measured using the radiation meter inspector 06250 and dose meter 6150AD 2/4/6. The meters measure the dose rate, exposure rate and the activity. The meters were held 1 meter above the surface of the soil at the excavation site. Each reading was taken 10 times at varying distances between zero and 100 meters from the excavation site after which the mean readings for each of the distance were then found. Finally, the background count was taken 200 meters away from the excavation point. The highest value of dose equivalent rate of 0.428±0.006 mSv/yr, exposure rate of 0.206±0.003 mR/hr and activity of 6.8±0.4kBq were measured at zero distance from the excavation point while the least value of dose equivalent rate of 0.212±0.002 mSv/yr, exposure rate of 0.081±0.001 mR/hr and activity of 3.2±0.8kBq were obtained at 100 meters away from the excavation point. The result shows that the excavation site is within the safety limit set by the international commission on Radiological protection (ICRP) (1990).
Highlights
Radioactivity is the release of energy in the form of gamma rays and energetic particles that occurs when unstable elements decompose to form more stable elements (IAEA, 1986)
The result shows that the excavation site is within the safety limit set by the international commission on Radiological protection (ICRP) (1990)
The graphs of dose rate, exposure rate and activity against distance as in Fig. 1,2, and 3 all show a linear decrease in measured values, which may be due to the inability of certain ionizing radiations particles to travel beyond specified distances and the energy posses by the particles
Summary
Radioactivity is the release of energy in the form of gamma rays and energetic particles (alpha and beta particles) that occurs when unstable elements decompose to form more stable elements (IAEA, 1986). The radioactive substances are expelled into the environment Such radiation, stem from radioactive nuclides dissociated from the ores (Jirbiri and Farai, 1999). In solid mineral industry there exists risks in the mining and processing due to potential hazards arising from radioactive minerals. This beneficial human activity (mining) increases the background radiation already in existence (Sanni, 1977). Gboko is a densely populated area inhabited dominantly by average – life dwellers
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