Risk Assessment of Radioactive Elements in Atmospheric Dust Around Cement Stores in three States,Nigeria

Abstract

This research investigates the numerous facts of radioactive elements, including their origins, how they impact various ecosystems, how they affect living beings as well as inanimate objects, how they can be quantified, and how they can be cleaned up. Samples were collected from Wuye Abuja, Guzape Abuja, Ore Ondo State, Ilado Ondo State, and Irele Ondo State, which are all locations in Nigeria. Each of these locations has a unique climate as well as other environmental characteristics. Ionizing radiation-emitting substances can be found in nature as well as be produced artificially. They have raised concerns because of their potential to harm nearby materials and living organisms. Obtaining a complete picture of how radioactive elements behave around the planet is the aim of this study. To understand how radioactive materials enter the environment, research examines both natural (such as uranium and thorium) and man-made (such as nuclear fallout) sources. For Samples A, B, C, D, and E, the mean concentrations of radium (Ra-226) are 185.20, 162.53, 142.28, 97.27, and 100.70, respectively. For Samples A, B, C, D, and E, the mean concentrations of uranium (U-238) are, respectively, 83.48, 84.60, 70.17, 47.57, and 48.07. Thorium (Th-232) average concentrations for Samples A, B, C, D, and E are 33.07, 26.86, 31.53, 26.40, and 27.60, respectively. While the mean potassium (K-40) concentrations for Samples A, B, C, D, and E are, respectively, 224.47, 115.70, 127.07, 62.30, and 78.33.Except for Uranium (U-238) with 84.60 in sample B, the results showed a significant difference in sample A. The highest values of Radium (Ra-226), Thorium (Th-232), and Potassium (K-40) were 185.20, 33.07, and 224.47, respectively.