Assessment of natural radioactivity levels in the Ajali Formation, Enugu, South Eastern Nigeria

4th International Conference on Water Resource and Environment

地球科学;生态环境科学

Maxwell, O.^1,2 ; Wagiran, H.^2 ; Joel, E.S.^1 ; Adewoyin, O.O.^1 ; Usikalu, M.R.^1 ; Tenebe, I.T.^3 ; Oha, I.A.^4 ; Ofuyatan, O.M.^3 ; Okolie, S.T.A.^5

Department of Physics, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota

1023, Nigeria^1

Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Joho Bahru

81310, Malaysia^2

Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Covenant University, Ota

1023, Nigeria^3

Department of Geology, Faculty of Physical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria^4

Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Covenant University, Km 10, Idiroko Road, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria^5

关键词: Activity concentration;    Activity levels;    Atomic radiation;    Coal sample;    High resolution;    Natural radioactivity;    Study areas;    United Nations;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/191/1/012011/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1755-1315/191/1/012011

学科分类：环境科学（综合）

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

Activity concentrations of the radionuclides (238U, 232Th and 40K) were analysed using high resolution co-axial HPGe gamma ray spectrometer system to know the implication where groundwater is sourced from Enugu, South-East Nigeria. The activity concentration of 238U ranges from 37 ± 4 to 74 ± 6 Bq kg-1 with the highest value of 74 ± 6 Bq kg-1 noted in the thin coal sample. The 232Th activity level in the rock samples ranges from 58 ± 5 to 85 ± 7 Bq kg-1 with the higher value of 89 ± 7 Bq kg-1 reported in the coal sample. For 40K, the activity concentration varies from 140 ± 19 to 293 ± 25 Bq kg-1 with the highest value of 293 ± 25 Bq kg-1 reported in coal samples whereas lowest value of 140 ± 19 Bq kg-1 was noted in Ajali sandstone in the study area (Enugu State). The higher activity levels of 238U, 232Th and 40K reported in coal samples may be due to the closer clusters of weathered surface of Ajali sandstone that overlays the thin coal layer with an escarpment being spread out, implying higher permeability towards deeper direction. All the values are within the recommended level when compared with United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR, 2000). Further research on groundwater activity concentration and rock geochemistry is required within the study area. This will allow for a comprehensive conclusion to be drawn on the level of exposures to the inhabitants relying on groundwater for consumption.