Radiological indices of technologically enhanced naturally occurring radionuclides: a PIXE approach

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Environmental soil contamination from industrial waste is a growing concern.
• Radionuclide assessment is crucial for understanding potential health risks.
• Tin processing waste can contain naturally occurring radioactive materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess radionuclide levels (potassium-40, thorium-232, uranium-238) in tin process waste in Jos, Nigeria.
• To calculate radiation dose rates from these radionuclides.
• To identify potential environmental hazards and inform remediation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) for radionuclide determination.
• PIXE offers advantages over gamma spectrometry by avoiding issues like secular equilibrium, self-absorption, and density corrections.
• Analysis focused on environmental soil samples identified as process waste.

Main Results:

• Determined the activity levels of potassium-40, thorium-232, and uranium-238 in tin process waste.
• Calculated radiation dose rates associated with the identified radionuclide concentrations.
• Observed high hazard indices indicating significant environmental risks.

Conclusions:

• The radionuclide levels and calculated dose rates indicate potential environmental hazards.
• Recommendations include preventing the use of waste as building materials and discouraging soil use in development projects.
• Underground lining of waste ponds and further studies on indoor radiation doses are advised to mitigate exposure risks.