Assessment of Ambient Ionizing Radiation Dose Rates and Radiological Risks in Selected Municipal Dumpsites of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Dianabasi N kereuwem Akpan; Akanimo Dianabasi  Akpan; Sunday Samuel  Ekpo; Michael  Ephraim Edem

doi:10.18502/jehsd.v11i2.21957

Dianabasi N kereuwem Akpan University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Akanimo Dianabasi Akpan Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin, Nigeria.
Sunday Samuel Ekpo University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Michael Ephraim Edem University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jehsd.v11i2.21957

Keywords: Assessment, Ionizing, Dumpsites, Radiological Risk, Absorbed Dose.

Abstract

Introduction: Over the years, some municipal dumpsites have been found to exhibit ionizing radiation due to indiscriminate dumping of hazardous refuse.

Materials and Methods: An ionizing radiation survey of five municipal dumpsites in Akwa Ibom State was conducted to measure elevated radiation levels. The five dumpsites were Uyo Village Road, Nung Udoe, Nwaniba Road, Abak Road, and Udo Street. Radiation exposure at each dumpsite was measured using a Digilert 200 radiation survey meter.

Results: For the Uyo Village Road dumpsite, the mean Absorbed Dose Rate (D), mean Annual Effective Dose Rate (AEDR), and mean Excess Lifetime Cancer Rate (ELCR) were 8.2 x 10^-5 nGy/hr, 0.10 mSv/yr, and 0.35 x 10^-3 respectively. For the Nung Udoe dumpsite, the mean D, AEDR, and ELCR were 1.0 x 10^-4 nGy/hr, 0.12 mSv/yr, and 0.43 x 10^-3 respectively. For the Nwaniba Road dumpsite, the mean D, AEDR, and ELCR were 9.9 x 10^-5 nGy/hr, 0.12 mSv/yr, and 0.43 x 10^-3 respectively. For the Abak Road dumpsite, the mean D, AEDR, and ELCR were 8.9 x 10^-5 nGy/hr, 0.11 mSv/yr, and 0.38 x 10^-3 respectively. For the Udo Street dumpsite, the mean D, AEDR, and ELCR were 8.2 x 10^-5 nGy/hr, 0.10 mSv/yr, and 0.35 x 10^-3 respectively. The mean Ds and AEDRs were far below the world average limit of 59 nGy/hr and 1 mSv/yr for the public, respectively.

Conclusion: The reported values do not have any immediate radiological health hazards; however, residents and workers should reduce the hours spent at the dumpsites.