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Radiological monitoring and statistical approach of primordial and anthropogenic radionuclides in surface soil of Mami-water site in the Western Cameroon

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Abstract

The study referred to measure activity concentrations of some primordial radionuclides and anthropogenic of 137Cs in soil samples of Mami-water in the Menoua subdivision, Dschang employing gamma-ray spectrometry-based characterized Broad Energy Germanium (BE6350) detector and a comparison of radiological and safety impact parameters on human due to primordial radioactivity in soil with some internationally approved values. In addition, statistical analysis of primordial radionuclides of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K was performed to evaluate the distribution and the interrelation of radionuclides. Samples were randomly collected from a depth of about 0 to 5 cm from the top surface layer. Each of the sampling points was considered as being overlaid with a grid and subdivided into cells. The observed radioactivity level of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in the investigated soil samples was compared with some published data available in some countries including Cameroon and observed varying within some reported data of radioactivity in soil from bauxite ore deposit. 235U and 137Cs were found in very few samples with a very low average of activity concentrations. In the majority of the samples, the observed radiological safety parameters seem to be greater than the internationally approved values. Consequently, using bricks made of soil as building materials might lead to an increase in radiation risk for the population. Multivariate statistical analysis of activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides performed showed an asymmetrical distribution with more peaked than Gaussian distribution and relatively flatter distribution of radionuclides in soil. In addition, a good positive interrelation between 226Ra and 232Th was observed and a weak negative one observed between 40K and 226Ra–232Th.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Director General of Cameroon National Regulatory Body, Dr. Augustin SIMO, for providing access to the gamma spectrometry and radioanalytical laboratory. The authors also appreciate the community of Mami-water and Prof. Tchoffo at the faculty of sciences, the University of Dschang for the understanding and availability during sampling. We also wish to address special thanks to Dr. Paul Animbom Ngon, Lecturer at the University of Bamenda-Cameroon for English check and correction. The authors also wish to extend their sincere gratitude to the reviewers and editors for their criticisms and suggestions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fundamental Physics Laboratory, Mathematics, Applied Computer Sciences and Fundamental Physics, University of Douala, P.O. Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon

    E. J. M. Nguelem, O. Motapon & C. J. S. Guembou

  2. Department of Physics, University of Douala, P.O. Box 24157, Douala, Cameroon

    M. M. Ndontchueng & O. Motapon

  3. The National Radiation Protection Agency, P.O. Box 33732, Yaoundé, Cameroon

    E. J. M. Nguelem & M. M. Ndontchueng

  4. Atomic and Nuclear Spectroscopy, Archeometry, University of Liege-Belgium, Bat. B15 Sart Tilman, 4000, Liège 1, Belgium

    C. J. S. Guembou

  5. Graduate School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box AE1, Accra, Ghana

    E. O. Darko

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  1. E. J. M. Nguelem
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  2. M. M. Ndontchueng
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  3. O. Motapon
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  4. C. J. S. Guembou
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  5. E. O. Darko
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Correspondence to E. J. M. Nguelem.

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Nguelem, E.J.M., Ndontchueng, M.M., Motapon, O. et al. Radiological monitoring and statistical approach of primordial and anthropogenic radionuclides in surface soil of Mami-water site in the Western Cameroon. Environ Earth Sci 76, 612 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-6951-8

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