Natural radionuclides and potential radiological hazard associated with consumption of water, Oreochromis niloticus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from Ero dam, Ekiti, Nigeria

Document Type : Original Paper

Authors

1 Department of Physics University of Lagos Akoka

2 Dept. of Radiation Biology and Radiotherapy College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria

3 Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos

Abstract

Introduction: This study aims to evaluate the potential radiological hazard associated with the consumption of water and fish products from Ero Dam.

Materials and Methods: The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the samples were determined using gamma ray spectrometry.

Results: Mean activity concentrations of 238U,232Th and 40K in water were 8.49±1.38, 4.12±0.40 and 150.99±10.80 Bq/l respectively. In Oreochromis niloticus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus mean specific activity were 23.17±7.25, 14.25±1.60, 740.86±55.00 Bq/kg and 77.92±18.79, 16.26±1.63, 842.90±62.87 Bq/kg respectively. Average annual effective dose for water (Hw) was 1.58 mSv/yr and for fish edible tissue (Hf) 0.16 mSv/yr. Mean concentrations of 232Th and 40K in water are 312% and 1400% higher than guidance levels and mean specific activity for 238U and 232Th in fish were about three orders of magnitude higher than reference values. Mean Hw is about 1500% higher than reference level and the average Hf for fish is 540% higher than the recommended Hf for natural radionuclides in fish products. Mean ELCR from consumption of water, Oreochromis and Chrysichthys are 1900%, 62% and 131% higher than the world’s average value from carcinogens respectively.

Conclusion: Continuous consumption of water and fish products from Ero Dam is associated with potential radiation risks.

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Iranian Journal of Medical Physics

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 16 May 2023

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 February 2023
  • Revise Date: 12 May 2023
  • Accept Date: 16 May 2023

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