EVALUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY AROUND DANGOTE CEMENT ESCAVATION SITE

EVALUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY AROUND DANGOTE CEMENT ESCAVATION SITE

ABSTRACT

The aim of this research work is to measure and analyse the environmental radioactivity around Dangote cement, excavation site. To obtain data that will serve as reference material for environment assessment. The method of radiation measurement employed in this work, was direct observation and measurement of radiation from the excavation site using the radiation detectors. These detectors were held one meter above the radioactive sources at various distances of the mining excavation site of Dangote Cement Factory, Gboko. Finally, the background count was taken 200 meters from the excavation site. Readings were taken from two points 300 meters away from each other named excavation point A and B and 3 sets of readings each was taken at each point of measurement for every two minutes The direct observation and measurement of radiation from the excavation site using the radiation detector was obtained at significant values and the difference between them were almost the same. At point A, from table 4.1 the result shows the various average dose rates at various time intervals, with an insignificant average dose of 0.0333±0.0133(mSv/yr). From table 4.2, it shows an insignificant level of average exposure of 0.176±0.015(mR/hr). From table 4.3, the average activity shows an insignificant average activity of 3.46±0.19(KBq). From table 4.4, shows the average dose at point B, with an insignificant average of 0.352±0.434(mSv/yr). From table 4.5, it shows the average exposure an insignificant total average of 0.2668±0.078(mR/hr). From table 4.6, it shows average activity with an insignificant total average of 3.06±0.300(KBq). Therefore, this indicates that the result from the radiation excavates obtained was insignificant at a significance level of 1mSv/yr as recommended by the ICRP. The level of activities carried out by the people around the site must be reduced, because continuous accumulation of radiation may still result to health hazard. It is therefore recommended that there should be occupational and public awareness on the presence of natural radiation especially of limestone mining and cement production in the environment and their possible health hazards, background radiation and proper health monitoring should also be part of environmental assessment for industrial and mining project.