RADIOMETRIC ASSESSMENT OF THE RADIOLOGICAL HEALTH IMPLICATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE EXPLOITATION OF MAJOR NIGERIAN FOSSIL FUELS

Mokobia, C. E.

Department of Physics , Delta State University Abraka, Nigeria

E-mail: mokobia_c@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Gamma spectroscopic technique was used to determine qualitatively and quantitatively the natural radionuclides present in the prominent fossil fuels found in Nigeria (bitumen, coal and crude oil). The radiological health indexes emanating from these radionuclides were then estimated with a view to ascertaining the radiological health consequences associated with the exploitation of these fuels. The results show that the total radioactivity contents are 61.5  8.2 in bitumen, 32.5  1.5 in coal and 0.04  0.01 in crude oil. The mean radium equivalent values are (30.81, 28.22 and 0.06) Bqkg^-1 respectively while the respective external and internal hazard indexes are (0.083, 0.076 and 1.51 x 10^-5) Bqkg^-1 and (0.159, 0.123 and 3.03 x 10^-5) Bqkg^-1. The mean annual dose equivalent values are (0.017, 0.016 and 3.06 x 10^-5) mSvyr^-1 respectively. These values are below those stipulated in radiation protection. The radiological health consequences associated with the exploitation of the three major Nigerian fossil fuels therefore is insignificant. Keywords: Radiometric assessment, Exploitation, Nigeria fossil fuels, insignificant radiological health