Assessment of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Radiation Hazard Indices in Selected Areas of Jos Metropolis.

Authors

  • Bako A and Solomon AO Bioresource Development Centre, National Biotechnology Research & Development Agency, Langtang, Plateau State, Nigeria; Department of Geology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Jos, Plateau, Nigeria

Keywords:

Ionizing Radiation, Radionuclides, Potassium (40K), Uranium (238U), Thorium (232Th), Radium Equivalent, Internal Hazard, External Hazard

Abstract

Assessment of the background radiation dose from different locations in Jos metropolis and environs within Naraguta Sheet 168NE was carried out using a BGO (Bismuth Germanate Oxide) Gamma Spectrometer RS-230 to determine the concentrations of Potassium (40K), Uranium (238U) and Thorium (232Th), from which radiation hazard parameters were calculated. The results obtained showed concentration values of 0.2%-11%, 0.2 ppm-34.7 ppm and 0.3 ppm-136.3 ppm for Potassium (40K), Uranium (238U) and Thorium (232Th), respectively. Activity concentration of these radionuclides varied from 51.28-2717.95 Bq/Kg for Potassium (40K), 2.47-428.40 Bq/Kg for Uranium (238U) and 1.22-554.07 Bq/Kg for Thorium (232Th), with the areas around Bitsichi having the highest values of uranium (238U) and thorium (232Th). Radiological parameters such as radium equivalent, internal hazard indices, absorbed dose rate indoor, annual effective dose equivalent, excess lifetime cancer risk and annual gonadal equivalent dose were all calculated, and the values obtained were 85.16-1420.12 Bq/Kg, 0.24-4.99, 38.80-832.00nGyh-1, 0.18-3.83mSvy-1, 0.63 x10-3-13.39x10-3 and 342.83-4452.91µSvy-1, respectively. The values in some locations were higher than the recommended limit of 1mSvy-1. The possible impact of these ionizing radiations on humans and also the genetic engineering process was assessed, suggesting possible radiation-related risks for the lifeforms or inhabitants of buildings within the studied location over time

Author Biography

Bako A and Solomon AO, Bioresource Development Centre, National Biotechnology Research & Development Agency, Langtang, Plateau State, Nigeria; Department of Geology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Jos, Plateau, Nigeria

 

 

 

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Published

14-08-2026

How to Cite

Bako A and Solomon AO. (2026). Assessment of Natural Radioactivity Levels and Radiation Hazard Indices in Selected Areas of Jos Metropolis. NABDA JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, 5(2), 41–57. Retrieved from https://journals.nbrda.gov.ng/njbr/article/view/212

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2026): Special Issue 6: Proceedings of Bioresources Development Conference (BDC26) - NJBR: Agricultural Biotechnology For Sustainanble National Development

Section

Articles

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