Evaluation of Radionuclide Concentration in Suspended Particulate Matter from Two Quarry Sites in Nigeria

Abstract

Evaluation of Radionuclide contents of suspended particulate matter from two quarry sites in Nigeria, have been carried out using High Volume air sampler and Gamma ray spectrometer NaI (Tl) Detector. The results obtained showed the mean value for 226 Ra, 232Th and 40k for Ishiagu sampleswere 2.76, 1.57 and 5.29 Bq/Kg respectively while that obtained in Okpella sampleswere 1.84, 2.21 and 6.2 Bq/kg respectively. The values obtained were higher than their control values but lower than the world recommended safe values. The results obtained in Okpella are slightly higher than that obtained in Ishiagu sites. This could be due to different geological constituents and other mining activities going on at Okpella that might have contributed to the slight change. All the radiological health risk parameter estimated were within their safe values as recommended by UNSCEAR. Comparison of results with other similar works shows positive correlation. We therefore conclude that inhalable suspended particulate matter within quarry sites does not constitute immediate radiological health hazard though precaution should be taken to avoid long term accumulation that can lead to stochastic health risk.