Assessment on Radiation Hazard Indices from Selected Dumpsites in Amassoma Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This research reports an assessment of ionizing radiation in some selected Dumpsites in Amassoma Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Ionizing radiation measurement was conducted at fifteen (15) Dump sites. The survey was achieved using a factory calibrated Inspector Digilert 100 Nuclear radiation meter (SN:35440, by SE International, Inc., USA). The meter’s sensitivity is relative to Cs-137, and its maximum alpha and beta efficiencies are 18% and 33%, respectively. Readings were taken by placing the detector at gonad level about 1 meter above the ground. The result showed that the mean average radiation obtained values in all the dumpsites ranged from to , with a mean value of which is higher than the normal background standard of 0.013mR/h. The computed equivalent dose rate obtained results to with a mean value of , for the study area. The computed equivalent dose rate of the study area is below the standard permissible limit of for the public and is below the dose limit of 1.0mSv/yr for the general public and far lower than dose limit of 20.0mSv/yr for the general public (ICRP, 1999). The results of the absorbed dose rate has a mean of in the study area is greater than the permissible level of , while the overall mean of annual equivalent dose rate of is below the recommended standard value. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) computed from the study area has a mean value of which is greater than the world average value. These reported values may indicate no immediate radiological health hazards, but may cause long-term health hazard to the occupants, workers and residents of the studied community due to increase with longer period of operation.