Natural radioactivity and radiological impact assessment of soil, food and water around iron and steel smelting area in Fashina Village, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT: This study assessed the natural radioactivity and radiological health impact of thirty-eight (38) samples of soil, food and water in Fashina village, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria using portable survey meter with a Global Positioning System (GPS) and well-calibrated NaI(Tl) detector system The mean exposure rates in the study area were 0.14 µSv hr-1 and 0.12 µSv hr-1 in soil/food and water samples respectively. The mean radioactivity content obtained for 238U, 232Th and 40K were 12.14 ± 4.17Bq kg-1, 23.23 ± 7.67 Bq kg-1 and 270.14 ± 61.79Bq kg-1 respectively in soil samples and 8.56 ± 2.80Bq kg-1, 13.17 ± 4.48Bq kg-1 and 89.41 ± 24.15Bq L-1 respectively for 238U, 232Th and 40K in water samples. The mean values of 30.91, 15.64 and 12.47 nGy h-1 were obtained for the absorbed dose rate in soil, food and water, respectively, while 37.90, 178.79 and 1085.23 µSv y-1 were obtained for the Annual Effective Doses (AED). Similarly, the Radium equivalent (Raeq) were 66.16 Bq kg-1, 34.28Bq kg-1 and 27.31BqL-1, in soil, food and water, respectively. The external and internal radiation hazard indices were 0.18 and 0.21, 0.09 and 0.12, 0.07 and 0.09, respectively for soil, food and water. The values obtained for the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) in (x 10-3) were also 0.13, 0.63 and 3.80 for the soil, food and water samples, respectively. It was found that the values of some exposure rate, radioactivity contents and radiological impact parameters in the study area which were higher than those of the control area and the world average values poses a serious health risk to the environment and its inhabitants

Cesium-137 activity concentrations in soil and brick samples of Mirpur, Azad Kashmir; Pakistan

The aim of this study was to measure137Cs levels in soil and brick samples to set the baseline data and an indicator of fallout radioactivity for this part of the world. This study will help to probe, if there is any health threat posed by [137]Cs exposure to the residents of the area. Twenty five samples of soil and 6 samples of bricks were collected from different locations of Mirpur of Azad Kashmir. A P-type HPGe detector was used to measure gamma spectra of samples. Results showed that for soil samples activity concentration range from 0.076 +/- 0.071 to 2.94 +/- 0.17 Bq.Kg[-1] with average value of 1.39 +/- 0.17 Bq.Kg[-1]. Similarly activity concentration of [137]Cs in Brick samples range from 0.22 +/- 0.09 BqKg[-1] to 2.14 +/- 0.13 BqKg[-1] with average value of 0.73 +/- 0.10 Bq.Kg[-1]. For soil samples the average values of outdoor, indoor and annual effective dose were found to be 5.12 × 10[-5], 20.47 × 10[-5] and 25.58 × 10 [-5] mSv.y[-1] respectively. For brick samples specific activity of the [137]Cs range from 0.22 +/- 0.09 to 2.14 +/- 0.13 Bq Kg[-1]. The average values of outdoor, indoor and annual effective dose for brick samples were 2.71 × 10[-5], 10.52 × 10[-5] and 13.23 × 10[-5] mSv.y[-1]respectively. The results indicate that the measured values were extremely small when compared with the annual dose rate recommended by ICRP [1.0 mSv.y[-1]], as well as the annual external gamma radiation dose [0.48 mSv.y[-1]] received per head from the natural sources of radiation

Using gamma-ray spectrometry and geostatistics for assessing geochemical behaviour of radioactive elements in the Lese catchment [southern Italy]

Gamma-rays emitted from the ground surface relate to the primary mineralogy and geochemistry of the bedrock, and the secondary weathered materials. This information can contribute significantly to an understanding of the geochemical and pedogenetic history of a region. The main aim of this paper was to study the relationship between ground gamma-ray data and basement geochemistry in the Lese catchment [Calabria, southern Italy] and to map them, using geostatistics, from in-situ gamma-ray spectrometry. The activities of naturally occurring radionuclides were measured at 179 locations by in situ measurements of 40[K], [238]U, [232]Th and total radioactivity and by using gamma-ray spectrometry. Then a multi-Gaussian approach was used to explore and map the activity of naturally occurring radionuclides [40[K], [238]U, [232]Th] and total radioactivity. Locations and lithological compositions of bedrock appear to be responsible for variations in radioelement activity. From radiometric investigations it has emerged that the natural activity of radionuclides in rocks and soils is not equally distributed, but rather influenced by the different geologic conformations of the various examined areas. As expected, high values of 40[K], [232]Th and total radioactivity were found in rocks of plutonic origin and low values in sedimentary rocks. Uranium radioactivity behaved in a constant manner in these lithologies, albeit with some differences in clayey sites particularly rich in Uranium

Measuring gamma -ray dose of terrestrial samples using beta - gamma spectrometry

The existence of some radionuclides in soil and some building materials produce a beta - gamma radiation field, which in some regions the exposure of these radionuclides to human is high. The air-absorbed dose, indoor and outdoor annual effective dose of soil and some building material samples [ceramic, granite, gypsum, etc.]. The samples were collected from 35 different regions in the northwest of Iran were calculated. Specific activity of natural radionuclides [226]Ra, [232]Th and [40]K were measured by using a beta - gamma spectrometer consisted of NaI[Tl] and organic scintillators. The analysis of measured spectra was based on maximum likelihood estimation. The calculated data were compared with world's mean values. It is found that the specific activity of 40K ranges from 573.8 to 1392 Bqkg[-1], for [232]Th ranges from 6 to 54.6 Bqkg[-1] and for [226]Ra ranges from and 5.1 to 36.2 Bqkg-1. In some regions, the concentrations of natural radionuclides [[40]K, [232]Th, [226]Ra] were higher than standard level. Experimental results related to specific activity, indoor and outdoor annual effective doses of [226]Ra, [232]Th and [40]K revealed that radionuclide concentration in soil and some building material samples of some regions of northwest of Iran are of some radiological importance

Bio-indicators in the tropical forest of Western Ghats environment

Investigation on the natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th, 40K and natural fallout radionuclide 210Po in the prominent plants species of Western Ghats tropical forest near Kotagiri have been carried out as a part of baseline background radiation studies in the forest environment. The prominent plants species of the region Evodia roxburghiana and Eleaocarpus oblangus were chosen and concentrations of [238]U, [232]Th, [40]K and [210]Po were measured by employing gamma ray spectrometer and alpha counter. The radioactivity concentrations in plants and soils reflect the impact of the existence of igneous nature of rock in the area of study. Concentration ratios [CR] of these radionuclides, between plants and underlying soil, have been studied and results shows that the concentration ratios [CR] seem to be depend on radionuclides in soil. From careful analysis of the results, these plants could be used as an indicator to monitor these radonuclides

Distribution of radionuclide in the forest soils [Western Ghats-India]

The presence of radionuclides in the soil, measures need to be taken to minimize the radiation dose to humans. It is mostly gamma-emitting radionuclides that contribute to the radiation dose in long term behavior of these radionuclides in soil may determine the extent to which such countermeasures need to be applied. The activity concentration of these radionuclides in the soil samples that collected from the Longwood forest at western Ghats have been analyzed using Gamma spectrometry. The mean activities of 238U, 232Th and 40K were observed 26.261Bq/kg, 53.614 Bq/kg, 204.084 Bq/kg, dry weight, respectively. The average value of dose rate was calculated 55.48 nGy/h by applying the conversion factor where as the environmental dosimeter shows the absorbed dose rate at 1m high is 96.96 nGy/h. It was observed that the activity concentration of primordial radionuclides and the gamma dose rate measurements by ERD and from soil is relatively higher than world average

Environmental impacts of cooling system on Abou Qir bay

This study was conducted to evaluate the impacts of cooling water on cooling system of Abou Qir Power Plant and on the receiving Abou Qir Bay. Abou Qir Power Plant is a conventional steam electric power plant located in Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. Water and biota samples were collected monthly from cooling water and Abou Qir Bay over a year. Heavy metals, radionuclide, anions and total hydrocarbons were analyzed in the samples using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis [INAA], Gamma-ray Spectrometry [GS], Ion Selective Electrodes [ISE] and Gas Chromatography [GC]. The results revealed that the characteristics of inlet cooling water had a tendency to be corrosive to the cooling system. The outlet cooling water complied with Environmental Law 4/1994 in all measured parameters except phosphate, ammonia and total petroleum hydrocarbons. On the other hand, samples from all sites had the lowest annual total count of algae in winter and highest count during summer. There are -ve correlation's between algae and heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and radioactivity. Algae correlated highly significantly [p<0.01] with Pb, Cu, Ni, total petroleum hydrocarbons, dissolved petroleum hydrocarbon and uranium. Anabaena Sp. [blue green algae] and Euglina Sp.[flagellate] had highly significant [p<0.01] -ve correlation with heavy metals and natural radioactivity. The accumulation percentage of heavy metals by algae ranged from 22% to 37%, and the highest percent was for uranium and the lowest was for chromium. It is recommended to optimize the addition of polyphosphate inhibitor at inlet cooling water to inhibit corrosion in the cooling system and to avoid increase of Anabaena Sp. in the outlet, and to avoid enhancing algae growth that has a great tendency to accumulate heavy metals, and good housekeeping to avoid oil spills containing hydrocarbons from the power plant to sea water

Natural environmental radioactivity and estimation of radiation exposure from saline soils

The study was conducted for the investigation of amount of radioactivity in the barren and cultivated soil of Bio saline Research Station in Pakka Anna, established by Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology [NIAB] in 1990, 34 km. away from the city of Faisalabad, in the Punjab province of Pakistan. The studies were done on an area of about 100 hectares of two types of virgin and fertilized saline soils. The technique of gamma ray spectrometry was applied using HPGe [high purity germanium] gamma ray detector and a PC based MCA. Activity concentration levels due to 40K, 137Cs, 226Ra and 232Th were measured in 250 saline soil samples collected at a spacing of about 4 hectares at the depth level of 0-25 cm. with a step of 5 cm. depth. Activity concentrations ranges of the concerned radionuclides for both of the soils were as follows: 40K, for virgin and cultivated saline soil was 500-610.2 and Bqkg -1 560.2-635.6 respectively; 137Cs, 3.57-3.63 and 1.98-5.15 Bqkg -1 238U, 26.3-31.6 and 30.3-38.7 Bq.kg -1, and 232Th, 50.6-55.3 and 50.6-64.0 Bqkg -1 respectively. The absorbed dose rate in air lies in the region 63--73 nGyh -1 and 68--83 nGyh -1 for virgin and fertilized soils respectively. This indicates that this region lies in the area of higher radiation background, while comparing with the worlds' average. The slightly higher value of dose in the fertilized farm may be due to the use of fertilizers for cultivation. Before the radiometric measurements, chemical analysis for concentration of Na, Ca and Mg was also carried out along with the measurement of electrical conductivity and pH of the soil samples

Estimation of annual effctive dose from 226Ra and due to consumption of foodstuffs by inhabitants of Ramsar 228Ra city, Iran

[226]Ra and [228]Ra contents in foodstuffs of Ramsar which is a coastal city in the northern part of Iran were determined by gamma spectrometry. Measurement results together with food consumption rates were used to estimate annual effective dose from [226]Ra and [228]Ra, due to consumption of food stuffs by inhabitants of Ramsar city. A total of 33 samples from 11 different foodstuffs including root vegetables [beetroot], leafy vegetables [lettuce, parsley and spinach] and tea, meat, chicken, pea, broad bean, rice, and cheese were purchased from markets of Ramsar city and were analyzed for their [226]Ra and [228]Ra concentration. 1-8 kg of fresh weight sample was placed in Marinnelli beaker and sealed. The measurement of natural radioactivity levels as performed by gamma-spectrometry system, using a high purity germanium [HPGe] detector with 40% relative efficiency. The highest concentrations of [226]Ra and [228] Ra were determined in tea samples with 1570 and 1140 mBq/kg, respectively, and the lowest concentration of [226]Ra was in pea, cheese, chicken, broad bean, and beetroot.The maximum estimated annual effective dose from [226]Ra and [226]Ra due to consumption of foodstuffs were determined to be 19.22 and 0.71 microSv from rice and meat samples respectively, where as, the minimum estimated annual effective dose for [226]Ra was 0.017, 0.018 and 0.019 microSv from beetroot, cheese and pea samples respectively

Investigation of depleted uranium contamination in south west of Iraq

The application of DU emanation for first time contaminated certain areas in the south west region of Iraq after the second Gulf war [1991]. These contaminated areas were discovered in 1994. Radioactive contamination was detected using the nuclear enterprise PCM5/1 in soil samples collected from two regions near by grazing lands. This study was done for assessment of DU contaminated soil in the regions under study. Portable detector was used for radiation measurement of the contaminated area. Samples from each region were selected and taken to Baghdad kept in plastic bags for gamma ray spectroscopy measurement. Gamma-ray spectroscopy system consists of high purity germanium [HPGE] detector surrounded by appropriate shield. The measurement of detector efficiency using [GDR] computer programs, supplied by Canberra Company was used to analyze gamma-ray spectrum. The activity of [234] Th, [235]U, [238]Pa and other natural isotopes were measured. The measurement by gamma -ray spectrometry system showed that six samples were heavily contaminated with DU, because the presence of [243]Pa and [235]U peak and the percentage ratio between [235] U/[238]U were less than 0.005, when both international mathematical methods, namely IAEA and Kosovo, were used. Because of existence of radiation equilibrium between [234]Th and [234]Pa, the measurements should be accurate. The result showed that six of the samples were heavily contaminated with DU and there is a good agreement between the two methods. Because of the accuracy and ease of the Kosovo method, it is recommended for future investigations

Determination of [226] Ra and [228] Ra concentrations in foodstuffs consumed by inhabitants of Tehran city of Iran

The presence of primordial radionuclide in human habitats has always been a source of prolonged exposure. Measurement of naturally occurring radionuclides in the environment can be used as baseline to evaluate the impact of non-nuclear activities and also routine releases from nuclear installations. A total of 56 samples from 18 different foodstuff including root vegetables [beetroot, carrot, onion, potato, radish and turnip], leafy vegetables[lettuce, parsley, spinach and white cabbage] and lentil, kidney bean, Soya, eggs, rice, meat, tomato and cooking oil were purchased and analyzed by low level gamma spectrometry. The [226] Ra concentrations from root vegetables varied from 13-62 mBqkg[-1] [fw] with turnip of highest concentration, i.e. 62mBq kg[-1]. Among leafy vegetables; parsley showed the maximum concentration of [228] Ra equal to 173 mBqkg[-1] [fw]. [226] Ra and [228] Ra contents in the soya, 394 and 578 mBq kg[-1] [fw] was much higher than those of other samples respectively. Results indicate that foodstuff consumed by Tehran inhabitants have low radium content and are safe, as far as radium concentrations is concerned

Natural radioactivity contents in glass used in building materials in Egypt

The concentrations of natural radioisotopes in four different glass samples [local and imported] used in Egypt to large extent in building materials have been measured using gamma-ray spectroscopy. A low background gamma-ray spectrometer employing a 50% p-type HPGe detector was used for these measurements. The average radioactivity levels were 16.8 +/- 6.0, 6.0 +/- 4.6 and 76.2 +/- 51.5 Bq/kg for [226]Ra, [232]Th and [40]K, respectively. Local and imported glass samples have comparable average activity levels of [226]Ra, [232]Th and [40]K. However, the concentrations of these isotopes in the measured imported glass showed a wider range compared with local samples. The average values of radium-equivalent indices, absorbed dose rate and indoor annual equivalent dose were also calculated for the investigated samples to assess the radiation hazards arising from those glass materials in the construction of dwellings. The results are discussed and compared with other reported ones

Goiânia revisitada: medidas recentes de radiaçäo ionizante ambiental / Goiania revisited: current measures of environmental gamma radiation levels

Objetivo. Medidas dos níveis de radiaçäo gama ambiental foram realizadas em alguns terrenos, na regiäo central de Goiânia, que foram focos de contaminaçäo devido ao acidentes com o Césio 137em 1987. Para avaliaçäo do equivalente de dose ambiente devido à radiaçäo gama natural, foram feitas medidas em locais distantes desses terrenos. Métodos. A espectrometria gama in situ e a desimetria termoluminescente foram as duas técnicas utilizadas. Em ambas as técnicas os pontos de medida estäo a 1 m da superfície do solo. Adicionalmente, dosímetros termoluminescentes foram enterrados para avaliaçäo da dose no solo. Resultados. Valores acima dos limites estabelecidos pela CNEN foram encontrados no Ferro Velho II, localizado na Rua 6, Lote 18 da Quadra Q do Setor Ferroviário. O valor máximo de taxa de equivalente de dose ambiente de 2,68 mSv.h-1 foi detectado próximo à entrada do terreno usando a técnica de espectrometria in situ. Através da dosimetria termoluminescente foi avaliada uma taxa máxima de equivalente de dose ambiente de 12,5mSv.ano -1 num ponto próximo e na frente da varanda da casa principal. A dosimetria de solo forneceu o valor máximo de 28,7 mSv.h-1 para um local nos fundos desse terreno. A autoridade competente foi informada sobre a existência dessa contaminaçäo remanescente e proposta a ela uma açäo remediadora. Esta foi efetivada em Agosto de 2001, através da disposiçäo de uma camada de concreto em toda a extensäo do lote. Após a concretagem nenhum valor de taxa de equivalente de dose ambiente acima de 0,30mSv.h-1 foi obtido, obedecendo portanto aos limites estabelecidos. Conclusäo. Os dados apresentados neste trabalho foram imprescindíveis para a recuperaçäo do Ferro Velho II com grau de contaminaçäo por Césio 137 claramente acima dos limites recomendados pelas autoridades nacional e internacional

Dependence of quality of thallium - 201 on irradiation data

Thallium-201 is produced through 203Tl [p, 3n] 201pb 201Tl reaction by cyclotron. This radioisotope has known as one of the cyclotron radioisotopes which is used for myocardial perfusion in the coronary artery disease, Tl-201 after chemical purification and quality control in the form of 201Tl-chlorid is ready to send to the hospitals. In this work the effect of the proton energy on quality of Tl-201, was studied. Radionucleidic purity was determined by high purity Ge [HPGe] detector Gamma spectrometer, in production time and after one half-life [73h]. The targets were coated with Enriched Thallium-203 [97%]. The Variation of thickness of targets was 18.3 +/- 1.3micro m. The different energies of bombardment on quality of Tl-201 and Tl-200, Tl-202, and Pb-203 [as impurity] were studied. The results have shown that optimum energy for proton was 28.5 MeV. The variation energy of bombardment can change the purity of Tl-201 but all results were in the standard range according to the United States Pharmacopoeia [USP] and European Pharmacopoeia

Gamma doses from granite sheet

The use of granite in buildings may constitute an additional source of radiation exposure to both workers and members of the public from gamma radiation produced by radioactive decay in the granite-sheet. The calculations presented in this paper indicated that if different types of granite sheets 2 cm thick containing a 226Ra eq concentration of 236.09889 Bq/kg for red granite and 360.92307 Bq/kg for rose granite are used in the walls and floor of a bank hall of dimensions up to 8 m x 10 m x 3 m and 10 m x 12 m x 3 m, the annual effective dose from gamma radiation for a worker or public person occupying the bank hall is lower than the maximum acceptable 226Ra concentration in building materials. The calculations presented in this paper are much more realistic in that they take the geometry of the building materials into account

Tiroides lingual. Reporte de dos casos / Lingual thyroid. Report of two cases

La glándula tiroides cumple una importante función en el organismo debido a la participación de sus hormonal en el crecimeinto, maduración y funcionamiento normal de las células y tejidos. Durante la embriogénesis, el tubérculo tiroideo debe migrar caudalmente para permitir la fusión de las prominencias laterales de la lengua, y cuando ello no ocure, queda atrapado en la base de la lengua. Se informan dos casos de niñas de 4 y 11 años de edad quienes presentaron una masa en el tercio posterior de la lengua diagnosticada como tiroides lingual, casos que fueron confirmados mediante gamagrafía de tiroides

Importancia del empleo de un patrón de 129I para la medición de 125I / Usefulness of a 129I for 125I measurement

En el presente trabajo se muestran las ventajas de la utilización de un patrón de 129I para comprobar diariamente que la respuesta del equipo de detección es constante para el 125I y poder determinar además la eficiencia para dicho nucleido. Una alternativa para conocer ese valor consiste en la aplicación de un método de coincidencia. La comparación de los resultados logrados con uno y otro método, demuestra que ambos valores de eficiencia son iguales. Por otra parte se analizan algunas cuestiones relacionadas con las ecuaciones teóricas utilizadas

Medida da funçäo de excitaçäo da reaçäo 65Cu(3He, 2n)66Ga / Measures of excitation function of the 65Cu(3He, 2n)66Ga reaction

Foi medida a função excitação da reação (65)Cu(3He,2n)66Ga. Bombardeamentos de empilhamentos de duas folhas de Cu foram feitos a várias energias utilizando-se feixes de 3He de até 36 MeV do ciclotron CV-28 do IEN. A energia inicial do feixe de 3He foi medida por espectrometria de particulas carregadas com detectores Si(Au) posicionados a 90 graus Celsius com a direção do feixe incidente. As ativações das amostras foram medidas efetuando-se espectrometria de raios gama usando-se detectores de HPGe. A função excitação medida foi comparada com as encontradas na literatura.

Valor del tránsito esofágico con Tc 99 en pacientes operados por acalasia de esófago / Value of esophageal transit with Tecnetium 99 in operated patients by esophageal achalasia

Se analiza un método radioisotópico de estudio para la acalasia de esófago, efectuado en el preoperatorio de 35 enfermos con operación de Heller modificada y en el postoperatorio de 21 de ellos. Se practicó tránsito esofágico con tecnecio 99, administrando 500 microcuries diluidos en 15 ml de agua por vía oral, con el paciente de pie. Se determinó el tiempo medio y retención a los 60 segundos; estos valores fueron elevados con respecto a los normales. No se pudieron establecer diferencias significativas entre estas cifras y la gravedad de la disfagia presente en el preoperatorio. Los valores de tiempo medio y retención en el postoperatorio se correspondieron con la mejoría clínica. En los buenos resultados se observó correlación entre los valores de presión del esfínter esofágico inferior y de tiempo medio y retención. Puede concluirse que el método radioisotópico con Tc 99 es una técnica no invasiva, comúnmente aceptada por el paciente y que permite evaluar en forma cuantitativa los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico en la acalasia esofágica.

Variación de la eficiencia de medición del cristal de pozo-espectrómetro monocanal / Variation of the efficiency of measuring of the pair cystal of water spectrometer monocanal

Ante la falta de constancia de la eficiencia de medición, en función del tiempo, de un equipo cristal de pozo-espectrómetro monocanal, se estudiaron las localizaciones de los picos fotoeléctricos de diferentes radionucleidos, utilizando como variables el tiempo, la energía de la radiación y la tensión aplicada. Los resultados indican que dichos picos van corriéndose hacia los niveles de canal más altos, al transcurrir el tiempo de funcionamiento del equipo. Estos corrimientos son más importantes cuanto mayor es la tensión aplicada y cuanto mayor es el valor de la energía de la radicación medida