Assessing Scalability of Natural Radionuclides and Associated Risks in Soils from Gold Mining Areas in Iperindo, Southwestern Nigeria

F. R. Amodu, F. Ben, B. N. Ben-Festus, O. K. Olawale, G. O. Edaogbogun

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The environmental and health implications of artisanal gold mining activities at mining sites across Nigeria have rekindled research interest. This study aimed to assess the scalability of naturally occurring radioactive materials in gold mining sites in Iperindo, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from three different mining sites and control locations and analyzed for natural radionuclides, mainly 238U, 232Th, and 40K, using gamma spectrometry having a sodium iodide detector. The average activity concentration values of 61.55 ± 3.71, 72.65 ± 4.45, and 1134.99 ± 38.12 Bqkg−1 obtained from within the mining sites for 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, were above the world permissible values of 33.0 Bqkg−1 for 238U, 45.0 Bqkg−1 for 232Th, and 420.0 Bqkg−1 for 40K. The average activity concentration values of 15.26 ± 3.19, 21.46 ± 4.27, 381.04 ± 23.36 Bqkg−1 estimated for 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively, for the control location were, however, lower than the global permissible values. The study also evaluated other radiological parameters such as radium equivalent, dose rate, annual effective dose rate, internal and external hazard indices, and alpha and gamma indices. The obtained values were 252.83 Bqkg−1, 119.98 nGyh−1, 147.15 mSvy−1, 0.85 Bqkg−1, 0.68 Bqkg−1, 0.31 Bqkg−1, and 1.89 Bqkg−1 respectively. Except for radium equivalent, external and internal hazard risks, and alpha index, which were significantly lower than the recommended threshold, all other radiological parameters were higher than the recommended global limits. Moderate data reproducibility and a p-value of 0.000574 further reinforced the robustness and reliability of the results obtained in this study.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)925-935
Number of pages11
JournalMining, Metallurgy and Exploration
Volume41
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2024

Keywords

  • Artisanal gold mining
  • Gamma spectrometry
  • Health risk
  • Iperindo
  • Natural radionuclides
  • Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM)
  • Radiological health hazard

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • General Chemistry
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Metals and Alloys
  • Materials Chemistry

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