Determination of specific activity of238U, 232Th and 40K and radiological hazard assessment of Tuomo River Sediments in Burutu, Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in sediments samples from Tuomo river in Burutu, Delta State, Nigeria have been determined using gamma spectrometry NaI(TI) detector. The concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K in the sediments range from 18.69±1.88−77.99±4.35 Bqkg⁻¹, 59.67 ± 11.85 −149.03 ±23.97 Bqkg⁻¹ and 580.19±3.89−873.04±4.86 Bqkg⁻¹ respectively. The mean values were found to be above their respective world average values. Radiological risk assessments were carried out to ascertain the possible radiological effects associated with the use of the sediments. The results for the radiological hazard parameters revealed that the sediments are in tandem with recommended safe limits. Therefore, the use of Tuomo river sediment for purpose of building and other human needs is generally of negligible radiological concern for human health.

Keywords: Natural radionuclides; Activity concentration; Radiological hazards; Sediments