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<p>This study employed high-resolution aeromagnetic, airborne radiometric, and remote sensing data to map and characterize radioactive minerals in the Zungeru area, North Central Nigeria, located between latitudes 9°30’–10°00’N and longitudes 6°00’–6°30’E. The objectives were to identify natural radiation sources, delineate their distribution, and assess their associated environmental and health risks. Aero-geophysical data sets were processed using advanced techniques, including reduction to the equator, regional-residual separation, etc., to enhance the accuracy of subsurface interpretations. Lineament analysis identified prominent structural trends in the NE-SW, E-W, and NW-SE directions, with NE-SW and NW-SE orientations being most significant. These lineaments strongly correlated with the distribution of radioactive minerals, particularly within felsic and mafic rock formations, as confirmed by lineament density and second vertical derivative maps. Radiometric data analysis quantified the activity concentrations of potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) across the study area. Radiological parameters calculated to assess environmental and health risks in the study area revealed that the activity concentrations of potassium ranged from 46.661&#xa0;Bq/kg to 993.484&#xa0;Bq/kg, with a mean of 375.1969&#xa0;Bq/kg, indicating significant potassium enrichment. The activity concentrations of thorium varied from 12.422&#xa0;Bq/kg (Jibeyi) to 72.629&#xa0;Bq/kg (Debbi and JikoManta), with a mean of 35.3808&#xa0;Bq/kg, while that of Uranium ranged from 1.573&#xa0;Bq/kg to 45.669&#xa0;Bq/kg (central Debbi area), with a mean of 21.2797&#xa0;Bq/kg. Radium Equivalent Activity values ranged from 37.995&#xa0;Bq/kg to 191.712&#xa0;Bq/kg, with a mean of 100.7643&#xa0;Bq/kg, while External Hazard Index (EHI) ranged from 0.119 (Jibeyi) to 0.633 (Ingishi), with a mean of 0.3296. Similarly, Absorbed Dose Rate across the study area varied from 33.187 nGy/h (Jibeyi) to 167.325 nGy/h (Ingishi), with a regional mean of 88.5119 nGy/h, exceeding the global reference value of 59 nGy/h, with the Equivalent Dose ranging from 33.187 × 10⁻⁶ mSv/h to 167.325 × 10⁻⁶ mSv/h. While equivalent doses remain below permissible limits, the elevated mean absorbed dose rate (88.51 nGy/h) suggests potential environmental and health risks, particularly in areas like Ingishi with higher radiological indices. The strong correlation between geological structures and radionuclide concentrations underscores the need for targeted monitoring and mitigation strategies in regions with felsic and mafic formations. The findings highlight the need for robust environmental surveillance in Zungeru to mitigate potential health risks associated with elevated radionuclide concentrations, particularly in areas with significant structural controls and mining activities.</p>

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Aero-geophysical Investigation and Characterization of Radioactive Mineral Concentrations in Zungeru Area, North Central Nigeria: Implication for Environmental and Health Impact of the Natural Radionuclides

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月8日

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  • L. Jack,
  • A. I. Opara,
  • V. U. Nwofor,
  • A. U. Nkwoada

摘要

This study employed high-resolution aeromagnetic, airborne radiometric, and remote sensing data to map and characterize radioactive minerals in the Zungeru area, North Central Nigeria, located between latitudes 9°30’–10°00’N and longitudes 6°00’–6°30’E. The objectives were to identify natural radiation sources, delineate their distribution, and assess their associated environmental and health risks. Aero-geophysical data sets were processed using advanced techniques, including reduction to the equator, regional-residual separation, etc., to enhance the accuracy of subsurface interpretations. Lineament analysis identified prominent structural trends in the NE-SW, E-W, and NW-SE directions, with NE-SW and NW-SE orientations being most significant. These lineaments strongly correlated with the distribution of radioactive minerals, particularly within felsic and mafic rock formations, as confirmed by lineament density and second vertical derivative maps. Radiometric data analysis quantified the activity concentrations of potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) across the study area. Radiological parameters calculated to assess environmental and health risks in the study area revealed that the activity concentrations of potassium ranged from 46.661 Bq/kg to 993.484 Bq/kg, with a mean of 375.1969 Bq/kg, indicating significant potassium enrichment. The activity concentrations of thorium varied from 12.422 Bq/kg (Jibeyi) to 72.629 Bq/kg (Debbi and JikoManta), with a mean of 35.3808 Bq/kg, while that of Uranium ranged from 1.573 Bq/kg to 45.669 Bq/kg (central Debbi area), with a mean of 21.2797 Bq/kg. Radium Equivalent Activity values ranged from 37.995 Bq/kg to 191.712 Bq/kg, with a mean of 100.7643 Bq/kg, while External Hazard Index (EHI) ranged from 0.119 (Jibeyi) to 0.633 (Ingishi), with a mean of 0.3296. Similarly, Absorbed Dose Rate across the study area varied from 33.187 nGy/h (Jibeyi) to 167.325 nGy/h (Ingishi), with a regional mean of 88.5119 nGy/h, exceeding the global reference value of 59 nGy/h, with the Equivalent Dose ranging from 33.187 × 10⁻⁶ mSv/h to 167.325 × 10⁻⁶ mSv/h. While equivalent doses remain below permissible limits, the elevated mean absorbed dose rate (88.51 nGy/h) suggests potential environmental and health risks, particularly in areas like Ingishi with higher radiological indices. The strong correlation between geological structures and radionuclide concentrations underscores the need for targeted monitoring and mitigation strategies in regions with felsic and mafic formations. The findings highlight the need for robust environmental surveillance in Zungeru to mitigate potential health risks associated with elevated radionuclide concentrations, particularly in areas with significant structural controls and mining activities.