TITLE:
An Evaluation of Health Hazards Indices of Natural Radioactivity of the Sediments from Eko-Ende Dam, Osun State, Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Katherine Temitope Ogundele, Emmanuel Ayodele Oluyemi, John Adekunle Oyedele Oyekunle, Oladotun Wasiu Makinde, Sejlo Temidayo Gbenu
KEYWORDS:
Natural Radioactivity, Radiological Parameters, Dam, Eko-Ende, Nigeria
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ecology,
Vol.8 No.11,
November
29,
2018
ABSTRACT: This study measured the
radioactivity level in the sediments of Eko-Ende Dam in Ifelodun Local
Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria and assessed the radiological impact
associated. Thirty six (36) sediment samples were collected from three
different points within the Dam for a period of 12 months. The samples were
analyzed using Gamma Ray Spectrometer. The radiological
hazards due to natural radionuclides content, such as absorbed dose rate (DR),
annual effective dose rate (AEDE), effective life cancer risk (ELCR), activity
utilization index (AUI), internal radiation hazard (Hin) and
external radiation hazard (Hex) in the sediment samples were
calculated. The calculated radiological parameters were compared with
recommended safety limits and internationally approved values. The radium equivalent activity, internal hazard index, annual effective
dose equivalent and effective life cancer risk values of the sediment samples
were lower than the permissible limit. Thus, the study area might not pose
immediate health implications to the general public, but prolonged exposure
could lead to radiation related health hazards.