Mean Activity Concentrations Of 40K Research Articles

Dose and transfer factor ofn 40K in medicinal plants.

The presence of naturally occurring radionuclides is common in all living and non-living frameworks, which are part of our environment. The activity concentration of 40K radionuclide was estimated using gamma spectrometry in some medicinal plants and transfer factors (TF), and Average Annual Committed Effective Dose (AACED) was evaluated. The standard methods were followed in the process of sample collection and processing. The mean activity concentrations of 40K were 223 and 1330Bqkg-1 in soil and medicinal plants, respectively. The mean TF and AACED were found to be 6.5 and 8.2μSv y-1, respectively. Higher activity concentration was observed in some medicinal plants due to the selective and preferential uptake of this radionuclide depending on their medicinal utility. The study may help to form the database and safety regulations connected with 40K activity in medicinal plants.

Seasonal Variations of Radioactivity Concentrations in Soil and Sediment of Meriç River, Turkey

In this study, natural and artificial radioactivity levels were determined for spring, summer, autumn and winter in soil and sediment samples collected from different sites in the Meriç River using a HPGe detector. The mean radioactivity levels in this study were compared with other activity concentrations in various region’s soils and sediments and also with the world mean values. The mean activity concentrations of 40K were found to be higher than the world mean value in both soil and sediment samples. In addition, 137Cs radionuclide emitted into the atmosphere by the Chernobyl explosion is still present in both soil and sediment. In order to estimate the potential health risk in samples, radiological hazard parameters were calculated for samples and compared with the recommended values.

Radiometric survey of sediments and health risk assessments from the southern coastal area of Delta State, Nigeria

Over the years, the release of potential radiological components around the oil exploration environment has increased with potential health implications.Yet; the mechanism and health associated assessment have remained fuzzy to most experimental scientists. The current study determines the activity concentration of radionuclides in sediments and the corresponding health risk assessments from the hydrocarbon exploration environment of the southern coastal area of Delta State, Nigeria. A Sodium-iodide NaI(Tl) detector, with a well-calibrated multichannel analyzer (MCA) to ensure efficiency and energy was utilized. A total of seventy-five sediment samples (Five sediment samples each per community) were collected from the southern coastal area of Delta State, Nigeria. The mean activity concentrations of 40K, 238U, and 232Th of the sediment samples were 3361.48 ± 194.26 Bqkg−1, 40.11 ± 16.17 Bqkg−1, and 45.73 ± 19.27 Bqkg−1 respectively. The obtained mean values exceeded the world standard limit of 400 Bqkg−1, 35 Bqkg−1, and 30 Bqkg−1 respectively. Also, the computed mean radiological health hazard risk of radium equivalent activity (Raeq), representative level index (Iyr), external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), absorbed gamma dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent outdoor and indoor (AEDE) and lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) values are 363.94 ± 32.37 Bkgl−1, 2.9657 Bkgl−1, 0.9839, 1.0919, 175.82 nGyh−1, 2.1556 mSvyr−1, 0.8625 mSvyr−1, and 7.5447 mSvyr−1 respectively. The values were found to be slightly higher than the world standard limit. Therefore, the residents that are using the sediments of the southern coastal area for the construction of buildings as well as dwelling in houses built with such sediments are exposed to these radiological materials. This may pose a radiological health risk concern. The obtained results will serve as radiation and radiological baseline data for sediments of the southern coastal area of Delta State, Nigeria.

Assessment of Activity Concentrations and Soil-to-Plant Transfer Factors of Natural Radioactivity in Rice Plant Components grown in Kano State, Nigeria

Transfer Factor (TF) depicts the percentage or fraction of natural radioactivity in the soil that is absorbed by different parts of a plant which are eventually transferred, directly or indirectly, to man during ingestion. Activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides were determined in farm soil and rice plant components (root, stem, leaf and seed) in six Local Government Areas (Bagwai, Bunkure, Dambatta, Garko, Kura and Wudil) renowned for production of rice in Kano State, Nigeria, using gamma-ray spectrometry method with sodium iodide scintillation detector. The mean activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th were: 509.51, 27.75, and 12.26 Bq.kg-1 correspondently in soil; 227.40, 14.24, and 5.19 Bq.kg-1 correspondingly in seed; 935.53, 32.73, and 7.29 Bq.kg-1 accordingly in leaf; 803.65, 16.72, and 6.76 Bq.kg-1 respectively in stem; and, 408.91, 30.03, and 10.31 Bq.kg-1 correspondingly in root. The mean concentrations of 40K reported in soil were greater than the world average of 400 Bq.kg-1, while those of 238U and 232Th were less than the world mean values of 35 Bq.kg-1 and 30 Bq.kg-1 respectively. The estimated mean of TFs of 40K, 238U and 232Th were: 0.52, 0.61, and 0.43 respectively in the seed; 1.95, 1.45, and 0.69 respectively in leaf; 1.72, 0.75, and 0.64 correspondingly in the stem; and, 0.85, 1.27, and 0.76 accordingly in the root. Except for a few plant samples where BDL were recorded for 238U and 232Th, all values of TFs were greater than the recommended values of 4.9 x 10-3 and 2.1 x10-4 given for 238U and 232Th...

Impact of natural radionuclides in the mangrove environs of Payyanur, Kerala, India

The present investigation quantifies and analyse the activity concentration of natural 232Th, 226Ra, and 40K radionuclides in the sediments samples collected from the mangrove environs of Payyanur, Kerala by employing 5″ × 5″ flat type NaI (Tl) detector. Determination of radiological risk parameters was done and compared with their average values for India and the world. It was found that the mean activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th were, respectively, 7.2 ± 2.5 Bq kg−1, 2.6 ± 0.9 Bq kg−1, and 13.6 ± 2.8 Bq kg−1. The findings show that the mean activity concentration of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th and all the radiological parameters are well within the global average values.

Assessment of Soil to Cassava Transfer Factor of Radionuclides in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria

Background:
 This research was conducted to estimate the activity concentration level of 40K, 238U and 232Th in soil and cassava and determine the transfer factor from soil to cassava in Ughelli North, Delta State, Nigeria.
 Materials and Methods:
 These were examined using gamma spectrometry and considering a lead-shielded 3 x 3inch coaxial type Sodium Iodide Thallium doped detector.
 Results:
 The mean activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th are 45.49 ± 4.28 BqKg−1, 3.15 ± 0.77 BqKg−1 and 0.56 ± 0.06 BqKg−1 respectively in soil samples and 134.08 ± 11.59 BqKg−1, 3.89 ± 0.93 BqKg−1 and 0.81 ± 0.09 BqKg−1 correspondingly in cassava samples. The mean transfer factor of 40K, 238U and 232Th from soil to cassava are 3.44 ± 0.75, 1.94 ± 0.32 and 1.34 ± 0.54 respectively. Peak values of the TF were noted as 8.52 for 40K at U18, D18, 25.58 for 238U at U12, D12 and 5.71 for 232Th at U11, D11.
 Conclusion:
 The activity concentration of 40K, 238U and 232Th in the area are lower than the world average values. Consequently, it will not pose any radiological hazard if consumed. The high value of Transfer factor is attributed to the richness of the organic matter in the soil and may indicate high ability to transfer radionuclides in the soil to food crops but from the concentration information, these radionuclides present in the soil are low as well as annual effective doses. There is no radiological risk of ingestion.

Assessment of Radionuclide Concentrations in Catfish and Tilapia fish from Asa-Dam Ilorin, North-central Nigeria

High concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides in food can have adverse effect on human health. Radioactivity measurement of radionuclides in Catfish and Tilapia fish samples from Asa-Dam Ilorin, Nigeria was carried out using gamma ray spectrometer technique. The results of the gamma ray spectrometry were utilized in the estimation of some radiological parameters in the bid to effectively determine the extent of the health implications as regards to radiation from the consumption of fishes in that area. The mean activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th for Catfish are 37.90±2.83, 8.08±2.71 and 11.73±2.51 Bqkg-1, respectively. Similarly, the mean activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th for Tilapia are 26.31±3.67, 6.16±2.47 and 8.89±2.19 Bqkg-1, respectively. The mean values of 40K, 232Th and 238U in Catfish were observed to be high when compared to Tilapia. The average absorbed dose rate for both Catfish and Tilapia samples were 12.40 and 9.31 nGyh-1. The mean annual effective doses were 29.65, 276.81, 52.04, 41.10 and 35.00 μSvy-1; 22.41, 209.10, 38.99, 30.93 and 26.43 μSvy-1 for adult, fishermen, 5 years, 10 years and 15 years, respectively for cat and Tilapia fish. The estimated excess lifetime cancer risk for adult, fishermen, 5 years, 10 years and 15 years were 0.10, 0.97, 0.18, 0.14, and 0.12 and 0.09, 0.85, 0.16, 0.13 and 0.11 for both Catfish and Tilapia, respectively. The results of all the radiological parameters estimated showed trends that are generally low, hence, poses no significant radiological health burden.

Estimation of Natural Radioactivity in some Popular Drinks in Nigeria and its Radiological Effect

The activity concentration on natural radionuclide in some samples of commonly consumed drinks have been determined using a gamma spectrometer, NaI detector. The mean activity concentration of 40K, 232Th, and 238U in the drink samples were estimated to be 23.76 ± 1.57, 1.55 ± 0.11, and 0.78 ± 0.16 Bq/L respectively. The mean effective dose equivalent of these natural radionuclides in food drinks are 5.77, 15.35, and 11.13 µSv/y respectively for 40K, 232Th, and 238U, while the mean total effective dose equivalent from all the natural radionuclides is 32.25 µSv/y. This value is less than the 0.1 mSv/y and 1 mSv/y recommendation of WHO and NCRP respectively for maximum permissible effective dose for public exposure. The excess lifetime cancer risk was estimated to be 1.13 x 10-4, which is lower than the world average. This is an indication that there is no significant cancer risk to humans as a result of the radionuclides consumption from these food drinks.

DETERMINATION OF NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY AND RADIOLOGICAL HAZARD ASSOCIATED WITH SEDIMENTS SOURCED FROM OGUNPA RIVER CHANNELS, IBADAN, NIGERIA

The natural radionuclides content and radiological assessment of sediments of the Ogunpa waste-water channel were evaluated to ascertain the radiological safety of the sediments as a building material. The mean activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th in Bq kg-1 were found to be 171±69, 11±5 and 10±4, respectively. The overall mean radium equivalent 29±13 Bq kg-1 was <370 Bq kg-1 that can give the maximum recommended dose of 1mSv to the general public. The activity concentrations of the radionuclides were all less than world average for soils and sediments. Thus, the use of the sediments from the Ogunpa water channel as building material is safe and would not pose any significant radiological health hazards.

Background Radiation from 238U, 232Th, and 40K in Bells Area and Canaan City, Ota, Nigeria

Natural radionuclides are present in every constituent of the environment. Monitoring of environmental radionuclides is very vital to avoid exposure above the threshold limit. Due to this, the background radiation from 238U, 232Th, and 40K of Bell University of Technology and Canaan Land City was determined from 20 sample points each in the two areas using RS230 Gamma Spectrometer. The mean activity concentration of 40K, 238U, and 232Th for Bells University of Technology was 442.66 Bq/kg, 41.98 Bq/kg, and 48.35 Bq/Kg, respectively. In Canaan City, mean activity concentration of 40K, 238U, and 232Th was 373.65 Bq/kg, 18.85 Bq/kg, and 67.22 Bq/kg, respectively. The mean absorbed dose rates recorded by the spectrometer directly were 70.03 nGy/h and 66.65 nGy/h, while that estimated from the activity concentration were 67.06 and 64.89 nGy/h for Bells University and Canaan City, respectively. The measured and estimated absorbed dose rates were higher than the safe limit of 57 nGy/h. The mean values of other radiological parameters estimated, except that of the gamma index and excess lifetime cancer risk were lower when compared to the recommended limit. It could be concluded that the possibility of suffering any radiation risk is low in these two areas, but there is possibility of cancer risk for someone that has stayed in the area for 70 years and above.

Baseline levels of natural radionuclides concentration in sediments East coastline of North Cyprus

In this study, surface sediment samples from the North Cyprus East coast of the Mediterranean Sea were collected to determine the concentrations of three main natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) using a high-resolution HPGe gamma-spectroscopy system. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the selected sediment samples ranged from 11.5 to 31.6, 11.8 to 24.9, and 391.7 to 1014 Bq kg−1 dw (dry weight), respectively. The concentration distribution analysis showed that the kurtosis statistics parameter was negative, and the concentration distribution was less peaked than the normal curve. The mean activity concentrations of 40K (628.1 Bq kg−1) in the sediment samples was higher than the worldwide average (420 Bq kg−1) concentration. The radium equivalent activity, external hazard, internal hazard and gamma activity concentration indexes were calculated to assess the pollution and risk level of radionuclides. The radiological risk assessment indicated that observed values were below the threshold values.

Radiometric Assessment of Farm Soils and Food Crops Grown in Kuru-Jos, Nigeria

Introduction: Human activities, such as mining, result in the elevation of natural ionizing radiation in the environment. Jos-Plateau, Nigeria, including Kuru-Jos has experienced commercial tin mining in the past, and local mining is still being practiced in this area. Therefore, it is important to assess the radiation exposure due to grown crops and the farm soils in Kuru-Jos, Nigeria. Material and Methods: In total, four crops and soil samples were randomly collected from farmlands in Kuru-Jos. The radioactivity levels in the soil and food samples were measured using a thallium-activated sodium-iodide detector coupled to a Canberra series 10 plus Multi-Channel Analyzer. The effective dose rates in soils and food crops along with the cancer risks in the crops were determined. Results: According to the results, the highest mean activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in the food crops were 456±126.0Bq/Kg (yam), 46.9±9.6Bq/kg (yam), and 31.6±23.9Bq/Kg (maize), respectively. Moreover, the mean activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in farm soil were determined at 1105.6±357.7Bq/Kg (cassava), 167.5±37.6Bq/Kg (yam), and 205.4±124.4Bq/Kg (Guinea corn), respectively. Additionally, yam crop had the highest mean ingestion effective dose of 1231.9µSv/y, and maize crop indicated the minimum mean value of 304.1±179.1µSv/y. The cancer risks of and for yam and cassava, respectively, were higher than the world average value (i.e., 1.0x10-3). Conclusion: The results indicated a high radioactivity level which is in line with the results obtained from other areas in Jos-Plateau, Nigeria; however, there have been no radiological health plague reports from the areas so far.

Radioactivity levels and transfer factor for granite mining field in Asa, North-central Nigeria

Natural radioactivity measurement and dose assessment are important aspects of radiation protection. The goal of this study is to validate the previous results obtained from the in-situ measurements in the study area in order to ascertain the level of radiation hazards to the populaces living around the mining site.A3 × 3-inch lead-shielded NaI(Tl) detector was used to measure the activity concentrations of 40K,238U and232Thin soil, water and guinea corn grain samples collected from a granite mining field in Asa, Kwara State, North-central Nigeria. The overall mean activity concentrations of 40K,238U and 232Th are 441.06, 11.51 and 15.42 Bqkg−1for the soil samples, 20.67, 0.66, and 0.88 BqL−1 for the water samples and 214.31, 5.25 and 8.86 Bqkg−,1respectively for the grain samples. The bioaccumulation/transfer factors are 0.49, 0.46 and 0.58 for 40K,238U and 232Th respectively. The mean values of all the radiological hazard parameters are within the permissible limit recommended by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. Consequently, the risk of indoor and outdoor gamma radiation exposure is comparatively less for these Granite soils. Hence, the results in this study will reference future studies in terms of basic radiological data.

Assessment of Radionuclide Concentration in Surface Soil and Human Health Risk Associated with Exposure in Two Higher Institutions of Esan land, Edo State, Nigeria

The aim of this study is to assess the activity concentration of radionuclides and the possible health risk associated with exposure to radiation from the soil samples collected from two higher institutions in Esan land of Edo State, Nigeria. The gamma spectrometry system was used to determine the activity concentrations of radionuclides 238U, 232Th and 40K in the surface soil samples. The activity concentration of radionuclides ranged from 7.16 ± 0.63 to 102.37 ± 2.37 BqKg-1for 40K, from 0.75 ± 0.05 to 3.13 ± 0.11 BqKg-1 for 238U and from 2.25 ± 0.20 to 9.02 ± 0.40 BqKg-1for 232Th. The measured mean activity concentration of radionuclides for 40K, 238U and 232Th from the examined topsoil of Samuel Adegboyega University were 57.80 ± 1.7 BqKg-1; 2.07 ± 0.09 BqKg-1 and 6.89 ± 0.34 BqKg-1 respectively. At the neighbouring higher institution; College of Education, Igueben, the mean activity concentration of 40K, 238U and 232Th in its surface soil were 30.19 ± 1.22 BqKg-1, 1.41 ± 0.07 BqKg-1 and 4.85 ± 0.28 BqKg-1 respectively. The total mean values for radiation dose estimation for Radium Equivalent Activity, Absorbed Dose, Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk, Outdoor and Indoor Annual Effective Dose Equivalent are 13.20 BqKg-1, 6.03 nGy/ℎ, 0.026, 7.40 µSτ/γ and 29.60 µSτ/γ respectively. These values were found to be lower than the global average values. Hence, there is no radiation induced health threat to the students and members of staff in the study area.Keywords: Soil, exposure, health risk, activity concentrations

Radiometric and elemental assessment of groundwater from Ifako-Ijaye area in Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria

Twenty borehole (BH) and 15 hand-dug wells (HD) water samples were collected from Ifako-Ijaiye for this study. The samples were analysed using NaI (TI) detector for radioactivity and BUCK200 AAS for elemental concentrations. The Effective Dose Rates (EDR) and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risks (ELCR) were calculated from activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th. The activity and elemental concentrations were statistically correlated. The mean activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th in the BH water were 8.77±8.40 Bq/L, 1.03±0.19 Bq/L and 0.93±0.15 Bq/L, respectively; and 10.12±0.07 Bq/L, 0.94±0.34 Bq/L and 0.89±0.10 Bq/L, respectively in the HD water. The EDR and ELCR in the study were higher in the infant than either creche or adult. The elemental concentrations in BH water were higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended limits. The ELCR in the study is higher than the USEPA limit; therefore, drinking untreated water from the area should be discouraged.

Radiometric and elemental assessment of groundwater from Ifako-Ijaye area in Lagos, Southwestern Nigeria

Twenty borehole (BH) and 15 hand-dug wells (HD) water samples were collected from Ifako-Ijaiye for this study. The samples were analysed using NaI (TI) detector for radioactivity and BUCK200 AAS for elemental concentrations. The Effective Dose Rates (EDR) and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risks (ELCR) were calculated from activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th. The activity and elemental concentrations were statistically correlated. The mean activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th in the BH water were 8.77±8.40 Bq/L, 1.03±0.19 Bq/L and 0.93±0.15 Bq/L, respectively; and 10.12±0.07 Bq/L, 0.94±0.34 Bq/L and 0.89±0.10 Bq/L, respectively in the HD water. The EDR and ELCR in the study were higher in the infant than either crèche or adult. The elemental concentrations in BH water were higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended limits. The ELCR in the study is higher than the USEPA limit; therefore, drinking untreated water from the area should be discouraged.

EVALUATION OF RADIATION DOSES AND HAZARD INDICES IN CRUSHED ROCKS FROM SOME QUARRIES IN IBADAN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA.

The radiological assessment of rock samples from four quarry sites in Ibadan have been carried out. The mean activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th were 377.0±37.9, 17.7±3.6 and 4.98±2.1Bqkg-1, respectively, for Ratcon Quarry (RQ); 408.0±28.7, 16.6±1.6 and 10.6±2.3Bqkg-1, respectively, for Dekit Quarry; 388.0±26.6, 15.7±1.9 and 9.85±3.9Bqkg-1, respectively, for Hajaig Quarry; and 388.084±55.9, 16.2±3.9 and 12.1±3.8Bqkg-1, respectively, for NSCE Quarry (NQ). The highest mean outdoor effective dose of 0.038±0.005mSvy-1 and the minimum of 0.033±0.004mSvy-1 were obtained at NQ and RQ, respectively. The radiological hazard indices recorded in each site were <1.0. The results show lower radioactivity levels than the world average values; therefore, no serious radiological health effect is expected when the crushed rocks from the quarries are used for buildings construction.

Radiometric and electromagnetic investigations of the Olushosun dumpsite Lagos, Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract The Olushosun dumpsite is one of the largest dumpsites in Nigeria, and variety of waste materials are often deposited on the dumpsite. Therefore, radiometric and electromagnetic (EM) investigation of the dumpsite was embarked upon to assess the radioactive status and the extent of leachate contamination. A well calibrated portable radiometric spectrometer nuclear radiation monitoring metre (Model BG0-Super-SPEC RS 230) and the Geonics EM 34 measuring instruments were used to achieve this objective. The mean activity concentration of 40K measured along all the profile lines ranged from 0.22% to 1.19% (68.86–372.47 Bq/kg), while that of 238U and 232Th ranged from 0.88 ppm to 2.02 ppm (10.87–24.95 Bq/kg) and from 4.87 ppm to 15.61 ppm (19.65–63.38 Bq/kg) respectively. The results of the radiation dose rate measurement showed that the overall mean absorbed dose rate measured in the study area were comparable to those reported around some cities in Nigeria. The radiation level along some points on the profile lines, even though high, did not exceed the safe limit of 70 μSvyr−1 as recommended by UNESCO on effect of Atomic Radiation. This implies that the inhabitants around this area are not exposed to radiological risk, and the dumpsite when reclaimed in future, could be used for the construction of buildings without any form of restrictions. However, continuous exposure to these radiations may have long term consequences on human health. Results from the EM data set along traverses on the dumpsite show that the subsurface is characterised by high conductivity (60–680 mS/m) up to a depth of 60 m. The high terrain conductivity signature here may be attributed to leached contaminats migrating into the subsurface and contaminating shallow aquifers. The descriptive statistical analysis of the measured EM data sets showed higher level of correlation among parameters measured along control lines outside of the dumpsite. Generally, correlation between the entire EM data on the dumpsite was poor, but reasonably better for the control data. This could be attributed to the heterogeneous properties of waste materials deposited on the dumpsite.

Radiation Risk Assessment of Soil in Idomi, Cross River State, Nigeria

In this thesis work, the radiation risk from soil samples in Idomi community located at Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria was studied. This was because of an earlier study that revealed the presence of high radioactivity in the area. This study aim to determine the background radiation levels, estimate their effective dose, the mean activity concentrations of the radionuclide and the radiological implications of the radioactivity levels in Idomi. Thirty (30) soil samples were collected and analyzed. The baseline average annual outdoor effective dose, mean activity concentration, gamma absorbed dose and radiological hazard index were studied. Results from this study indicate that three (3) radionuclide namely 40K, 238U and 232Th were present in the soil samples analyzed. The mean activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th in the soil samples were 506.13±9.30, 41.14±3.59 and 84.52±20.88 Bqkg-1 respectively. The calculated mean external and internal hazard index was 0.62 and 0.71 respectively. The calculated mean gamma index was 0.86. The Raeq in the soil samples was 227.34 Bqkg-1. The calculated absorbed gamma dose from the sample was 110.31nGy-1 and a mean annual outdoor effective dose of 1.35mSvy-1. Compared with global average values of 10-200nGyh-1, 2.4 mSvy-1and Raeq of 370BqKg-1 they can be said to be within the normal range. From this study, the chances of occurrence of health effects from exposure to natural terrestrial gamma radiation in Idomi can be said to be low. This may be possible if the baseline levels obtained from this study can be kept constant by keeping the environment free of radioactive pollution.

Geophysical survey of groundwater potential and radioactivity assessment of soil depth lithology for drinking water-quality determination

This research work evaluates the groundwater aquifer potential and radioactivity levels of the soil lithology depth of Agbor in Delta State Nigeria. Three geophysical surveys were conducted using vertical electrical sounding. The results show that the formation of the studied area has curve types KH, AA, and AH. Analysis of the layer thickness, resistivity, and transmissivity proposed specific layers to have the best aquifer thickness and depth with an average water table of 30.1 m. The assessment of the activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in the lithology was carried out using sodium iodide [Na(TI)] detector. The mean activity concentration of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th are 254.0 ± 62.7 Bqkg− 1, 17.0 ± 5.7 Bqkg− 1, and 14.2 ± 5.0 Bqkg− 1, respectively. These values obtained were all below world permissible limits and compared well with the values reported in some part of the world. The estimated radiological risk parameters examined are radium equivalent (Raeq), annual gonadal equivalent dose (AGED), external hazard index (Hin), internal hazard index (Hex), representative index $$\left( {{I_\gamma }} \right),$$ absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), indoor and outdoor, and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and the mean values obtained were 56.9 mSvy− 1, 189.3 mSvy− 1, 0.2, 0.2, 0.4 Bqkg− 1, 27.6 $$~\eta Gy{h^{ - 1}},$$ 135.3 mSvy− 1, 33.8 µSvy− 1 and 0.12 × 10− 3, respectively, and are all below their recommended permissible limits. The radioactivity concentration levels obtained in the soil are low, and hence, the radioactivity level in the water aquifer will be low and drinking it will not cause any radiological health detriment.