Influence of Crude Oil Spillage on the r-Radiation Status of Water and Soil in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Area, Nigeria

Abstract

Crude oil spillage is one of the variables in the hydrocarbon industry responsible for the impact the industry makes on the ionizing radiation status of its host environment. A study was carried out to investigate the level of impact of oil spillage on the ionizing radiation profile of three communities in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria reputed for its abundant oil wealth. For the purpose, 15 water samples (five from each community) and 15 soil samples (five from each community) were collected and analyzed using the Gamma Scout γ-spectrometer and Na(TI) detector. The lowest dose rate for both water and soil was the same 1.14±0.07 mSv/yr (0.014±0.001 mR/hr), while the highest dose rate was also the same for both water and soil 1.58±0.11 mSv/yr (0.019±0.001 mR/hr). However, the minimum dose rate, maximum dose rate and mean dose rate computed for water differed from those computed for soil. The study showed that all computed radiation parameters for both water and soil, including the minimum dose rates measured for the three communities, exceeded international regulatory standards for the general populace indicating that oil spill had resulted in the elevation of the radiation levels of the affected communities and that appropriate steps need to be taken to protect those living in the study area from radiation hazards.

Assessment of the Radiation Hazard Indices from Terrestrial Radiation in Mining Sites in Benue State, Nigeria

“…The absorbed dose of radiation estimated in the barite deposit fields (Lessle) ranges from 95. 7 ) and Akuana Salt Lake (salt) (295.8 nGyh -1 ) were higher than the values previously reported in South Lebanon( 106 nGyh -1 ) [19], and in Poonch District (102 nGyh -1 ) [8]. The measured outdoor gamma dose rates are also higher than the values reported in Turkey (78.3-135.7 nGyh -1 ) [26].…”

“…Furthermore, consuming water and fishery resources may cause internal exposure which can lead to radiation related sicknesses like cancer, turmour and sterility [4]. Several studies of radiological survey have been carried out in some mineral mining sites in Nigeria and outside the country to monitor radiation level and it's associated radiation risk [5][6][7][8][9][10]. None of the investigations done in similar environment in Nigeria determined level of radiological burden for different range of minerals of exposure to such background radiations.…”

Profiling the surface water around Odeama Community of the Niger Delta area of Nigeria

“…Odeama as a fishing community requires unimpaired water quality, which is necessary for the survival of aquatic organisms and also water for domestic use. Another major concern of the people is oil spillage, which is described as the release of crude oil into the environment as a result of anthropogenic activities (Chad-Umoren and Ohwekevwo, 2013). Oil spillage is caused by natural disasters, corrosion of pipelines, failure of oil and gas installation, operational errors, and third-party interference, which includes vandalization and crude oil theft (DPR, 2016).…”