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NORM, radon emanation kinetics and analysis of rocks-associated radiological hazards

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Abstract

Analysis of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) and environmental (radiological) hazard associated with radionuclides in rocks from northeastern Nigeria was carried out and the results are presented. NORMs analysis on rock samples was undertaken with gamma-ray spectroscopy, while radon isotopes were analyzed using an electric radon measurement device (RAD 7). Activity concentration (Bq kg−1) of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K ranges from 11.4 ± 2.6 to 74.6 ± 4.8, 26.6 ± 0.8 to 183.4 ± 3 and 30.1 ± 4.6 to 1120.3 ± 16.4, respectively. Ranges for annual effective dose (mSv) are 0.03–0.20; radium equivalent (Bq kg−1) is 5.7.33–358.36; external hazard index is 0.16–0.99; 222Rn and 220Rn exhalation rates (Bqm−3 h−1) are 2.60–6.25 and 0.50–7.10, respectively. For radon emanation coefficient, the working month level and related dosages ranges are 0.012–0.058, 0.25–0.00 and 1.38–3.30 mSv, respectively. The results reveal that the possible radionuclides enrichment in the rocks is potentially an environmental (radiation) hazard to the inhabitants of the area.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to acknowledge the contribution of the staff of the Low Background (Gamma spec. Lab.) Laboratory, Center for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for their role during the NORM analysis, anonymous criticism and review that immensely improved the quality of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Energy Research and Training, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

    A. S. Arabi, I. I. Futua, B. B. M. Dewu & A. M. Muhammad

  2. Department of Geology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

    M. Y. Kwaya

  3. Department of Fundamental Geology, University of Silesia, Silesia, Poland

    E. Kurowska

  4. Department of Geology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

    M. L. Garba

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  1. A. S. Arabi
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  2. I. I. Futua
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  3. B. B. M. Dewu
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  4. M. Y. Kwaya
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  5. E. Kurowska
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  6. A. M. Muhammad
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  7. M. L. Garba
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Correspondence to A. S. Arabi.

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Arabi, A.S., Futua, I.I., Dewu, B.B.M. et al. NORM, radon emanation kinetics and analysis of rocks-associated radiological hazards. Environ Earth Sci 75, 689 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-5488-6

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