TITLE:
GIS Mapping and Background Ionizing Radiation (BIR) Assessment of Solid Mineral Mining Sites in Enugu State, Nigeria
AUTHORS:
Jude Chukudi Osimobi, Ezekiel Oghenenyerhovwo Agbalagba, Gregory Onomakere Avwiri, Chinyere Patience Ononugbo
KEYWORDS:
BIR Assessment, GIS Mapping, Solid Mineral, Enugu State
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.2 No.10,
October
30,
2015
ABSTRACT: A study of the
external background ionizing radiation (BIR) levels in eight solid mineral
mining sites in Enugu State has been carried out using two Digilert radiation
monitors Radalart-50 and Radalart-100. Thirty two readings of four samplings in
each point were taken at different solid mineral sites of the state following
standard procedure. The measured BIR levels obtained ranged from 0.012 mR/hr inNkpologwu silica mining site to
0.028 mR/hr in clay mining site in Enugu-Ekulu with an average of 0.018 ± 0.004
mR/hr, while the corresponding calculated equivalent dose rate ranged from 1.0 mSv/yr
to 2.35 mSv/yr with a mean value of 1.51 ± 0.04 mSv/yr. The result obtained
indicates that the average exposure level of the studied area is 38.5% higher
than the international standard. This suggests the possibility of the presence
of radionuclide in the solid minerals mined in Enugu state. However, the values
obtained may not cause immediate health challenge to miners and those engaging
in commercial activities around these mining sites in Enugu, but may result in
long-term health side-effects to residence and miners who put in over twenty-five
years in the job. From the forgoing, it is recommended that control mechanism should
be adopted for the members of the public, residence, commercial traders as well
as miners working in these sites, and to protect the environment.