Geological influence on the terrestrial gamma radiation dose rate in Jos Plateau, Nigeria

Abstract

Natural environmental terrestrial gamma radiation dose (TGRD) rate measurements have been carried out across the geological formations of Jos Plateau, Nigeria. External gamma radiation dose rates ranged between 11 and 714 nGy h^-1 with a mean value of 204 nGy h^-1. Relationship between TGRD levels and geological type was determined. Statistical comparative method one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the TGRD means for the various types. The statistical results revealed in some instances, significant differences among the mean values of TGRD rates for the different underlying geological structures. Annual effective dose and collective effective dose for the general public due to exposure to terrestrial gamma radiation were estimated at 0.25 mSv y^-1 and 1.20x10² mSv y^-1, respectively. Isodose map for exposure rate due to TGRD wasplotted using ArcGIS software. The results will serve as database for natural background radiation for the country.

Keywords: Natural radiation; Terrestrial gamma radiation dose (TGRD); geological type; Analysis of variance (ANOVA)