Assessment Of Environmental Radioactivity In Selected Dumpsites In Port Harcourt Rivers State Nigeria

Abstract Radionuclide concentration of soil samples from selected dumpsites within Port Harcourt Rivers State Nigeria was determined. In-situ measurements were carried out using Radalert Nuclear Radiation Monitor and a Geographical Positioning System GPS. Two soil samples each from ten selected dumpsites were collected. Gamma Ray Spectrometry analysis was carried out on the samples to determine specific activity using NaITl scintillation detector. The measured in-situ equivalent dose rate ranged from 0.891 mSvyr to 1.592 mSvyr with an average of 1.2610.693 mSvyr for all the locations with seven locations having values below the internationally permissible threshold. The activity concentration of the soil samples obtained through gamma spectrometry analysis ranged from 32.21 BqKg to 100.10 Bqkg for 232Th 29.16 BqKg to 61.18 BqKg for 238U and 222.15 BqKg to 1166.99 BqKg for 40K with an average of 62.6118.97 BqKg 41.965.53 BqKg and 643.105.94 BqKg for 232Th 238U and 40K respectively. Air absorbed dose rate calculated ranged from 57.05 nGyhr to 123.10 nGyhr with an average value of 86.7112.86 nGyhr for the locations which is higher than the world-average value of 55 nGyhr for soil. The equivalent radiation exposure obtained using the radionuclide concentration for the locations is between 0.50 mSvyr and 1.08 mSvyr with an average of 0.760.11 mSvyr which is below the permissible threshold of 1.0 mSvyr for soil. Generally the radiation burden and associated risk posed by the municipal wastes on the studied environment and scavengers is minimal.