Examination of Gross Alpha and Beta Radioactivity Concentration in Tubers and Cereals Obtained from the Oil Producing Areas of Rivers State, Nigeria

The gross alpha and beta radio activity concentration in tubers and cereals obtained in selected oil fields within the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria have been studied and evaluated. Tubers and cereals samples were harvested, collected and analyzed for gross alpha and beta activity using an IN-20 model gas-flow proportional counter. The results obtained showed that the average gross alpha and beta activity for tuber samples ranged from BDL to 0.2940.0391 and BDL to 0.293 0.053 Bq/g respectively, while the average gross alpha and beta activity for cereal samples ranged from BDL to 0.087 0.040Bq/g and BDL to 0.414.0.040 Bq/g respectively. These results revealed an elevation over the activity of the control samples taken from non-oil bearing environment and the World Health Organization standard limit of 0.1 Bq/g for gross alpha activity but the average beta activity were all below the WHO standard limit of 1.0Bq/g in all the zones studied. The elevation recorded may be due to oil exploration activities with associated artificial or anthropogenic activities such as gas flare, pollutants, transportation by air media to plant surfaces, frequent oil spillage into and back to the soil or any accidental underground pollutants into the food chain encountered in the surveyed areas. However, the results so obtained may not pose any serious detrimental health side-effects to the public consuming these products.