Radioactivity Concentration in Quarry mining Soil in Pulka, Gwoza LGA, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Effective monitoring of environmental radioactivity is essential for mitigating radiation-induced health risks such as cancer. In this study, the activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were measured in soil samples collected from seventeen sample points across gwoza local government area. Gamma-ray spectrometry was employed for the analysis conducted at the center for energy research and development, Obafemi Awolowo university Ile-Ife. Osun state. The results, obtained indicate average activity concentrations of approximately 14.01 Bq kg^-1 for ²³⁸U, 3.19 Bq kg^-1 for ²³²Th, and 571.72 Bq kg^-1 for ⁴⁰K, with ⁴⁰K being the dominant contributor to the overall specific activity. Gamma hazard indices, were derived from the established equations. Furthermore, radiological parameters were evaluated, the Absorbed dose rate (D_Abs), Annual Effective Dose (AEDE), Radium equivalent (Ra_eq), External hazard index (H_ex), Internal hazard index (H_in), Gamma activity index (I_γr), and Excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). Were all determined to assess the radiation hazard of the quarry soil yielding average values of 32.17 nGyh^-1, 0.0411 mSv y^-1, 62.494 Bq kg^-1, 0.168, 0.206, 0.506, and 0.000144 respectively, the current radiological concentration of the soil does not pose an immediate threat to human health or the environment. However, prolonged exposure over a lifetime could result to health risks for both workers and the general public, particularly for those in close proximity to the quarry. These findings underscore the importance of continuous radioactivity monitoring to protect both human health and other components of the locality.