Measurement of Natural Radionuclides and Radon Gas Concentration in Surface Soil samples within Jalingo Metropolis, North East Nigeria

Abstract

Activity concentrations of radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K) and radon gas in soil samples collected within Jalingo Metropolis were assessed by gamma spectrometric techniques using Na (TI) scintillation detector. The result showed an average activity concentration of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K to be 18.626±7.31 Bq/kg, 16.709±10.96 Bq/kg and,167.935±389.33 Bq/kg. The concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th were lower than the world average value while ⁴⁰K was far higher that the recommended value. Most people in the study area use soil for building construction therefore, it was necessary to asses if there are any radiological hazards associated with the soil. This was achieved by determining Radium equivalent activity (Raeq), internal hazard index (Hin) and Annual effective dose rate. The result indicates that the indices are within normal limit. The Radon concentration in soil varies 11.126±1.315 kBq/kg to 30.374±3.331 kBq/kg with a mean value of 17.881±7.019 kBq/kg which is within the safety limits. Generally, the result showed that the soil in the study area might not pose major hazard to the members of the public.