Abstract
The assessment of industrial activities and effluents on the external background ionizing radiation (BIR) levels of Ughelli metropolis and its environs has been conducted, using a digilert 100 nuclear radiation monitor and geographical positioning system for GIS mapping. The monitoring of the terrestrial BIR levels was carried out for 2 years (from May 2013 to June 2015) in 21 locations within the city and 21 other major villages/towns in Ughelli North local government area of Delta state. Measured exposure rate in Ughelli metropolis revealed a mean value of 15.20 ± 2.80 µRh−1 (1.28 ± 0.23 mSvy−1), while a mean value of 15.19 ± 2.70 µRh−1 (1.28 ± 0.23 mSvy−1) was obtained in the villages/towns. The estimated mean outdoor absorbed dose rate for the Ughelli metropolis and Ughelli environs is 132.16 ± 24.36 ηGyh−1 and 132.15 ± 23.50 ηGyh−1, respectively. The mean annual effective dose equivalent is 0.16 ± 0.03 mSvy−1) while the mean excess life cancer risk is (0.56 ± 0.11) × 10−3 mSvy−1. GIS maps of the study area revealing the BIR distribution and higher radiation levels were recorded in areas/communities where there are industrial activities and oil and gas facilities. The overall results of the measured exposure rates and the estimated radiological indices show that 73.5% of the sampled location exceeded their permissible limits. The mean equivalent dose rate obtained is higher than the safe exposure limit of 1.0 mSvy−1) recommended by UNSCEAR, and the mean radiation exposure levels in the study area is well above the normal background radiation level of 13.00 µRh−1 which shows that the studied area is radiologically contaminated. Though these values obtained may not cause immediate health hazard, there is the likelihood of long-term accumulating health side effects on the residents of some of these locations and communities sampled. Recommendations are made on the possible ways of reducing the impacts on the populace.
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Agbalagba, O.E., Avwiri, G.O. & Ononugbo, C.P. GIS mapping of impact of industrial activities on the terrestrial background ionizing radiation levels of Ughelli metropolis and its environs, Nigeria. Environ Earth Sci 75, 1425 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-6216-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-6216-y