Investigation into the geological radiation levels and evaluation of hazard parameters in soil and rock specimens taken from mining sites across North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract This research quantitatively evaluates the natural radioactivity levels and geological radiation hazard parameters of soil and rock specimens obtained from mining locations in North-Eastern Nigeria, by means of grammar-ray spectroscopy. There have been potential public health risks associated with the use of soil and rock from mining locations in North-Eastern Nigeria, specifically the study areas. A total of twenty-eight samples were systematically gathered from Nahuta and Kashere locations. Through gamma spectrometry employing a NaI (TI) detector, the natural radioactivity levels of 238U, 232Th and 40 K were determined for each and every sample. The findings indicated that the mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K in Nahuta are 46.13 ± 4.78 Bq/Kg, 34.10 ± 3.02 Bq/Kg and 473.94 ± 5.41 Bq/Kg for the soil samples respectively, and 32.91 ± 0.49 Bq/Kg, 40.70 ± 0.41 Bq/Kg, and 578.18 ± 4.28 Bq/Kg for the rock samples respectively. The corresponding mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40 K in kashere are 17.99 ± 4.18 Bq/Kg, 23.73 ± 1.78 Bq/Kg, and 191.65 ± 3.15 Bq/Kg, for the soil samples, and 20.24 ± 3.72 Bq/Kg, 29.09 ± 1.78 Bq/Kg, and 148.36 ± 3.15 Bq/Kg, for the rock samples respectively. An analysis of radiation risk parameters (D, AEDE, Raeq, Hex, Hin, AGDE and ELCR) has been conducted and findings explored. While the samples from the kashere region fall within the international recommended levels, elevated readings of certain radiation health parameters are observed in the Nahuta region, posing serious public health risk due to utilization of the soil and rock from this area in construction activities.