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Background <p>Radionuclide contamination in agricultural soils and stream sediments presents considerable environmental and public health concerns. Detailed assessments are crucial for comprehending radioactive exposure and its associated hazards, particularly in regions affected by geological and hydrological processes. This study aims to evaluate the activity of uranium-238 (<sup>238</sup>U), thorium-232 (<sup>232</sup>Th), and potassium-40 (<sup>40</sup>K) in soils and stream sediments from the Jebba area, Nigeria, and to assess the associated radiological health risks.</p> Methods <p>A total of 274 soil (137) and stream sediments (137) samples were collected. The <sup>238</sup>U, <sup>232</sup>Th, and <sup>40</sup>K in the samples were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). Radiological parameters, such as radium equivalent activity (Ra<sub>eq</sub>), absorbed gamma dose rates, gamma radiation indices, and hazard indices (H<sub>ext</sub>, H<sub>int</sub>), were calculated using standard mathematical expressions.</p> Results <p>Ra<sub>eq</sub> values ranged from 16.49 to 123.13 Bq/kg for soils, with stream sediments generally exhibiting relatively high values. The average absorbed gamma dose rates were 24.23 nGy/h for the soils and 82.05 nGy/h for the sediments. Stream sediments also presented elevated annual effective dose equivalents (AEDEs) and internal hazard indices (H<sub>int</sub>). Thorium-232 (<sup>232</sup>Th) emerged as the dominant contributor to radiological risk, correlating strongly with Raeq and other indices, whereas potassium had a limited impact on overall hazard levels.</p> Conclusions <p>The spatial variability in radionuclide concentrations reflects the influence of geological and depositional processes. Stream sediments pose greater radiological risks than soils do, particularly when used in construction. Thorium is identified as the primary risk driver. Continuous monitoring and targeted radiological safety measures are recommended to protect public health from both natural and anthropogenic radionuclide contamination.</p> Clinical trial number <p>Not applicable.</p>

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Distribution of 238U, 232Th, and 40K in soils and stream sediments in the Jebba area, Nigeria-an integrated environmental, health and radiological risk assessment

  • 期刊论文

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月3日

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  • Olusola Amos OlaOlorun,
  • Olaniyi JohnPaul Popoola,
  • Abiola Omotayo Oyebamiji,
  • Yusuf Ademola Abdu‑Raheem,
  • Prince Ukaogo

摘要

Background

Radionuclide contamination in agricultural soils and stream sediments presents considerable environmental and public health concerns. Detailed assessments are crucial for comprehending radioactive exposure and its associated hazards, particularly in regions affected by geological and hydrological processes. This study aims to evaluate the activity of uranium-238 (238U), thorium-232 (232Th), and potassium-40 (40K) in soils and stream sediments from the Jebba area, Nigeria, and to assess the associated radiological health risks.

Methods

A total of 274 soil (137) and stream sediments (137) samples were collected. The 238U, 232Th, and 40K in the samples were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). Radiological parameters, such as radium equivalent activity (Raeq), absorbed gamma dose rates, gamma radiation indices, and hazard indices (Hext, Hint), were calculated using standard mathematical expressions.

Results

Raeq values ranged from 16.49 to 123.13 Bq/kg for soils, with stream sediments generally exhibiting relatively high values. The average absorbed gamma dose rates were 24.23 nGy/h for the soils and 82.05 nGy/h for the sediments. Stream sediments also presented elevated annual effective dose equivalents (AEDEs) and internal hazard indices (Hint). Thorium-232 (232Th) emerged as the dominant contributor to radiological risk, correlating strongly with Raeq and other indices, whereas potassium had a limited impact on overall hazard levels.

Conclusions

The spatial variability in radionuclide concentrations reflects the influence of geological and depositional processes. Stream sediments pose greater radiological risks than soils do, particularly when used in construction. Thorium is identified as the primary risk driver. Continuous monitoring and targeted radiological safety measures are recommended to protect public health from both natural and anthropogenic radionuclide contamination.

Clinical trial number

Not applicable.