RADIONUCLIDE EVALUATION IN SEDIMENT SAMPLES IN SOME COMMUNITIES IN EDO STATE, NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study evaluates radionuclide levels in sediment samples from some communities in Edo State, Nigeria. Twelve sediment samples were collected from four communities at a depth of 10 cm, with each site providing 200 g of samples spaced 50 m apart and these were analysed using Gamma Ray Spectrometry (NaI(Tl) detector) to measure the activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th,and ⁴⁰K. The results revealed that activity concentrations in sediment samples for ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U, and ²³²Th ranged from 112.94±3.54 to 613.97±8.25, 3.49±0.05 to 18.47±0.13, and 1.12±0.05 to 8.65±0.13 Bq/kg, respectively.. The variations may stem from geological differences and the presence of radioactive thorium minerals. Although radionuclide hazard indices indicate the communities are safe from radiation, the long-term effects of low-dose radiation exposure could pose health risks, and regular monitoring of radionuclide levels in sediments is recommended for Edo State.