Assessment of Radiological Safety of Migmatite Rocks around Bauchi Town, Northeastern Nigeria
Abdulmuhyi Yahaya Yaro, Abdullatif lawal, Ahmmad Isa Haruna, Usman Yahaya, Yaro, Abubakar Sadiq Muhammad, Abdulgaffar Issa
Abstract
This study evaluates the radiological safety and geochemical characteristics of migmatite rocks used as building materials in the Bauchi region of Nigeria. Twenty-four samples were collected and analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometry to determine the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides, including potassium-40 (40K), uranium-238 (238U), and thorium-232 (232Th). The results indicated elevated levels of radioactivity, with average concentrations exceeding global safety benchmarks. Radiological hazard indices such as the Annual Gonadal Dose Equivalent (AGDE) and Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) were notably above recommended limits, suggesting potential long-term health risks from indoor exposure, although other indices remained within acceptable international thresholds. The study therefore recommends cautious indoor use of these rocks due to elevated natural radioactivity.
References
cancer risks caused by building materials containing natural radionuclides in
Malaysia. Nuclear Engineering and Technology, 51(1), 325–336.
Braun JJ, Pagel M, Herbillon A, Rosin C (1993) Mobilization and redistribution of REEs and
thorium in a syenitic lateritic profle: a mass balance study. Geochim Cosmochim Acta
57:4419–4434. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-7037(93)90492-F
Braun JJ, Viers J, Dupré B, Polve M, Ndam J, Muller J-P (1998) Solid/ liquid REE fractionation
in the lateritic system of Goyoum, East Cameroon: the implication for the present dynamics
of the soil covers of the humid tropical regions. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 62:273–299.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-7037(97)00344-X
European Commission EC (1999) Radiological Protection Principles concerning the Natural
Radioactivity of Building Materials. Radiat Protect 112.
Faure, G. (1986). Principles of Isotope Geology. John Wiley & Sons; 2nd edition. ISBN:
0471864129.
Ferre, E. C and Caby R. (2006). Granulite Facies Metamorphism and Charnockite plutonism:
Examples from the Neoproterozoic Belt of Northern Nigeria. Journal of Geology 100/
06006 2006.
IAEA (2003) Radiation protection and the management of radioactive waste in the oil and
gasindustry. International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, p 173
ICRP (1977) Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection
(ICRP). Pergamon Press, New York, p 87
ICRP (1990) Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection
(ICRP). Pergamon Press, New York, p 60 (ICRP Pub)
Mènager, M.T., Heath, M.J., Ivanovich M., Montjotin, C., Barillon, C.R., Camp J., & Hasler, S.E.
(1993).
Tufail M, Nasim-Akhar Sabiha-Javied SA, Hamid T (2007) Natural radiation hazard in building
bricks fabrication from soils of two districts of Pakistan. J Radio Protect 27:481–492.
https://doi. org/10.1088/0952-4746/27/4/009
Turhan, ?., Baykan, U.N., and ?en, K. (2008). Measurement of the Natural Radioactivity in
Building Materials Used in Ankara and Assessment of External Doses. Journal of
Radiological Protection, 28, 83-91. doi: 10.1088/0952-4746/28/1/006
UN-Habitat. (2020). Urbanization and Land Use Planning in Sub-Saharan Africa. United Nations
Human Settlements Programme.
UNSCEAR (2000) Exposure from natural radiation source. United Nations Scientifc Committee
on Efect of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), Report to general assembly. Annex B. United
Nations, New York, p 76
Uyanik, N. A., K?l?ç, A. M., & Çelebi, N. (2013). Natural radioactivity in soil and building
materials in Turkey. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 118, 78-85.
Xinwei L, Lingqing W, Xiaodan J (2006) Radiometric analysis of Chinese commercial granites. J
Radioanalytical Nuclear Chem 267(3):669–673. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-006-
0101-1
