International Journal of Physics

International Journal of Physics | Vol. 2, No. 3, March 2011 | pp. 18–25

DOI: 10.46882/2011/IJP/000015

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Assessment of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Radiation Hazards in Soil Profiles of Coal Mining Areas in Enugu, Nigeria

Names of Authors: J. C. Nwachukwu¹, M. S. Al-Hassan²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Physics, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; ²Department of Physics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract: Mining activities often elevate environmental radiation levels by bringing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) to the surface, posing potential health hazards to surrounding populations. This study evaluates the activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides Uranium-238, Thorium-232, and Potassium-40 in soil profiles collected around historical coal mining fields in Enugu, Nigeria. A high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma-ray spectrometer was utilized to analyze 50 topsoil and core soil samples. The mean activity concentrations were determined to be 28.4 ± 4.2 Bq/kg for Uranium-238, 42.1 ± 5.6 Bq/kg for Thorium-232, and 315.8 ± 24.1 Bq/kg for Potassium-40. These baseline radio-analytical data were utilized to calculate standard radiological hazard parameters, including the radium equivalent activity (Ra_eq), the external hazard index (H_ex), and the absorbed gamma dose rate in the air. The mean radium equivalent activity was 112.9 Bq/kg, which falls well below the internationally recommended safety limit of 370 Bq/kg. The corresponding annual effective dose equivalent received by the local population was estimated at 0.07 mSv, confirming that the radiation risk remains within safe operational limits. These evaluations provide an essential environmental reference frame for future radiological monitoring programs in the region.

Keywords: Gamma spectrometry; Natural radioactivity; Coal mining; Radiological hazards; Radium equivalent activity; Absorbed dose rate; Environmental monitoring; Soil profiles.

Manuscript Timeline: Received: December 01, 2010; Revised: January 18, 2011; Accepted: February 09, 2011; Published: March 01, 2011.

Citation: Nwachukwu, J. C., & Al-Hassan, M. S. (2011). Assessment of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Radiation Hazards in Soil Profiles of Coal Mining Areas in Enugu, Nigeria. International Journal of Physics, 2(3), 18–25.

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