International Journal of
Physical Sciences

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Phys. Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1992-1950
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJPS
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 2572

Full Length Research Paper

Gross alpha and beta activity concentrations in soil and some selected Nigerian food crops

Chijioke M. Amakom
  • Chijioke M. Amakom
  • Radiation and Health Physics Research Group, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
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Chikwendu E. Orji
  • Chikwendu E. Orji
  • Radiation and Health Physics Research Group, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
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Benedict C. Eke
  • Benedict C. Eke
  • Radiation and Health Physics Research Group, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
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Chinedu Iroegbu
  • Chinedu Iroegbu
  • Radiation and Health Physics Research Group, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
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Bridget A. Ojakominor
  • Bridget A. Ojakominor
  • Radiation and Health Physics Research Group, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
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  •  Received: 10 February 2018
  •  Accepted: 14 May 2018
  •  Published: 16 June 2018

Abstract

Gross alpha and beta activity concentrations in soil, cassava and fluted pumpkin (leaf and stem) were investigated using a gas flow proportional counter. The gross alpha activity concentrations for the fluted pumpkin were between 3.55 and 13.95 Bq/Kg and 3.53 and 3.61 Bq/Kg for the leaves and stems, respectively. The gross alpha activity concentrations for cassava and soil samples ranged from 0.07 to 0.60 Bq/Kg and 0.35 to 0.53 Bq/Kg, respectively while the gross beta activity concentrations ranged from 0.43 to 0.89 Bq/Kg and 0.46 to 1.04 Bq/Kg for the cassava and soil samples, respectively. The gross alpha and beta activity concentrations in cassava, fluted pumpkin and soils samples have been determined using alpha/beta spectroscopy. The result of thestudy showed that the Iva-valley coal mine area has lower gross alpha and beta activity concentrations compared to other areas of the country. This shows that the coal mining activities in the area may not have increased the radiation burden of the area.

Key words: Gross, alpha, beta, concentration, activity, food, crop.

 

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