Abstract
The radiometric mapping of the terrestrial ionizing radiation to evaluate the possible radiological health risk to residents of Agbor and Asaba metropolis have been conducted, using a digilert nuclear radiation monitor meter and geographical positioning system (GPS). The two monitored cities and environs were delineated into five zones. Measured zones mean outdoor background ionizing radiation (BIR) levels in Asaba ranged from 0.012 ± 0.003 mRh−1 (1.01 ± 0.27 mSvy−1 to 0.023 ± 0.009 mRh−1 (1.96 ± 0.82 mSvy−1) with total mean value of 0.018 ± 0.006 (1.52 ± 0.49 mSvy−1). In Agbor, zones mean outdoor BIR levels ranged from 0.012 ± 0.004 mRh−1 (1.01 ± 0.35 mSvy−1 to 0.019 ± 0.004 mRh−1 (1.58 ± 0.37 mSvy−1) with total mean value of 0.016 ± 0.004 (1.38 ± 0.38 mSvy−1). The mean outdoor absorbed dose rate for Asaba and Agbor are 158.34 ± 50.44 and 141.52 ± 29.58 respectively. The mean annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE) for the two cities are 0.19 ± 0.05 and 0.16 ± 0.05 mSvy−1, respectively, while the mean excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) are (0.69 ± 0.21 and 0.64 ± 0.17) × 10−3 mSvy−1, respectively. The estimated effective dosage to organs received shows that testes have the highest dose of 0.10 mSvy−1, with liver receiving the lowest dose of 0.06 mSvy−1. The study revealed that of the 100 sampling locations, 76 sampling sites outdoor radiation levels (76%) exceeded the World ambient standard levels of 0.013 mRh−1(1.0 mSvy−1). The overall results obtained shows elevation of BIR levels and all the estimated risk parameters except ELCR and effective doses to organs, above recommended limit for the public. However, these values obtained will not constitute any immediate radiological health risk to the residents of the study areas.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.