Radiation Contamination Determination: A Case Study in Niger Delta of Nigeria

Abstract

The study aims at determining the radiation contamination in some oil and gas sites in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria. Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) calibrated Survey meter and other auxiliary equipment were utilize to collect Background Radiations and Radiation contamination level in the oil rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The findings indicate that the mean BIR levels and absorbed dose rates in Site A are slightly lower than those measured in Site B. Notably, the estimated mean AEDE for both sites remains below the permissible limit by UNSCEAR. However, the ELCR values for both locations exceed the standard mean value of 0.29 × 10-3, highlighting a potential health risk associated with the concentration of radionuclides resulting from exploration activities. This study serves as baseline data for understanding BIR contamination levels in the sites and provides valuable insights for assessing and monitoring future fluctuations in radiation levels.