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Assessment of background ionizing Radiation from some selected mining sites in Anka, Bagega, and Abare in Anka local government of Zamfara State, Nigeria |
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PP: 249-259 |
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doi:10.18576/jrna/100306
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Author(s) |
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Musa Mohammed,
Idris M. Mustapha,
Aliyu Zaharadeen,
Ibrahim Kefas Gyurison,
Ogbu Pius,
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Abstract |
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| This study examines the levels of background ionizing radiation and associated radiological health risks in selected mining communities, Anka, Bagega, and Abare in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria. An inspectors Alert nuclear radiation meter was used to conduct radiation measurements, with readings taken at 15 mining spots and corresponding control points located 100 meters away. Radiological hazard indices such as absorbed dose rate (ADR), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were determined to evaluate potential health impacts. Results show that mean absorbed dose rates at mining sites were 3984.6 nGy/h (Anka), 2575.2 nGy/h (Bagega), and 4628.4 nGy/h (Abare), notably exceeding the global outdoor average of 59 nGy/h and the safety threshold of 84 nGy/h recommended by UNSCEAR. The corresponding AEDE values in mining areas were 4.886 mSv/yr, 3.158 mSv/yr, and 5.676 mSv/yr, exceeding the public exposure limit of 1.0 mSv/yr set by the ICRP. The calculated ELCR values in all locations also surpass the global average of 0.29 × 10⁻³, with mean values of 17.103 (Anka), 11.053 (Bagega), and 19.866 (Abare), indicating substantial lifetime cancer risks. These elevated radiological indices point to significant environmental contamination, with possible long-term health implications for both miners and residents. While no immediate radiological symptoms may be visible, the findings highlight the urgent need for regulatory intervention, public health monitoring, and sustainable mining practices to mitigate future health crises in the region. |
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