POWER SPECTRUM ANALYSIS OF RADIATION LEVELS AND HEAVY METALS OF SELECTED DUMPSITES IN MAKURDI METROPOLIS, BENUE STATE
Main Article Content
Abstract
Radiation levels and heavy metals concentration from some selected dumpsite were measured in view to identify its effect on humans and the environment in Makurdi metropolis. These were carried out using radiation alert inspector. Heavy metals concentration of Chromium, Manganese, Iron, Copper and Lead from the soil samples of the dump sites was analysed using a AA-700 Dual Atomizer Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Results obtained reveal that, the radiation level from the various dumpsites ranged between a maximum value of 7mSv at 6 minutes and a minimum value of 4mSv at 9 minutes, which is lower than the recommended safety limit of 15mSv as stipulated by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. With this, there is no immediate health hazard on those living around the dumpsites but if not controlled and precautions taken, adverse health effect may occur. Heavy metal analysis in these dumpsites show that Iron has the highest Mean Concentration while Chromium has the lowest Mean Concentration. However, the Concentration of Copper was higher than the safety limit stipulated by EU, UK and NESREA. High concentration of Copper could lead to health effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea and lung failure.
Downloads
Article Details
References
European Union (EU) Safety Limit Recommendations for Heavy Metals in Soil. Farai, I. P and Oni, O. M. (2002).Natural Radionuclide Concentration in Aquatic Species and Absorbed Dose Equivalents to the Dwellers of the Coastal Area of Nigeria .Nigerian Journal of Physics. 14, 175; 187-191.
Iyang, S.O., Iyang, I.S and Egbe, N.O. (2009). Radiation Exposure Levels Within Timber Industries in Calabar, Nigerian Journal of Medical Physics. 34(2): 97-100. International Commission on Radiological Protection (2011 Recommendations).
Jibiri, N.O., Alausa, S.K., Owofolaju, A.E. and Adeniran, A.A. (2011).Terrestrial Gamma Dose Rate and Physical-Chemical Properties of Farm Soil from ex-Tin Mining Location in Jos-Plateau, Nigeria. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 5(12), pp. 1039-1049.
Jibiri, N.O., Amakom, C.M and Adewuyi, G.O. (2010). Radionuclides Contents and Physio-Chemical Water Indicators in Streams, Well and Borehole Water Sources in Radiation area of Abeokuta, South Western Nigeria. Journal of Water Resource and Protection. Vol. 2, 291-297.
Jibiri, N.N., Farai, I.P and Alausa, S.K. (2007). Activity Concentration of Ra-226, Th-228 and K-40 in Different Food Crops from a High Background Radiation area in Bisichi, Jos Plateau State, Nigeria. Radiation Environ. Biophys., 46:53-59.
Nworgu, O.D., Osahon, O.D and Obinyan. F.E. (2011). Measurement of Gamma Radiation in Automobile Mechanic Workshops in an Area of Benin City, Nigeria. Advanced Material Research. Vol. 367, 801-805.
Obasi, N.A., Akubugwo, E.I., Ugbogu, O.C. and Chinyere, G.C. (2012). Heavy Metals Bioavaila-bility and Phytoaccumulation Potentials of Selected Plants on Burrow-pit Dumpsites in Aba and Ntigha Dumpsite in Isiala Ngwa of Abia State, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 27: 27-45.
Odunaike, R.K., Alausa, S.K., Oyebanjo, O.A., Ijeoma, G.C. and Alao, A.O. (2008). Measurement of Radiation Level in Refuse Dumps Across Lagos Metropolis, South Western part of Nigeria. Environmental Research Journal, 2:174-176.
Ojoawo.S., Agbede, O and Sangodoyin, A. (2011). The Physical Composition of Solid Waste in Selected Dumpsites of Ogbomoso Land, South-Western Nigeria. Journal of Water Resource and Protection, Vol. 3, 661-666.
Stumpf, E., Fritz, F. and Bradford, W. (2009).Mathematics for Veterinary Medical Technicians. Durham, North Carolina. Carolina Academic Press. pp. 135, 197-198, 208-209.