ASSESSMENT OF IONISING RADIATION EMISSION FROM SELECT WASTE DUMPSITES IN EKET, NIGERIA
1 Okon P. Akpan, 1Idopise G. Etim, and 2Imeh E. Essien
1Department of Science Technology, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
2Department of Physics, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
Corresponding author: apostleop5family@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
This work was conducted to assess the level of ionizing radiation from select dumpsites within Eket Local Government Area. Five dumpsites were selected, with site one at Hausa’s quarters, Site two at Market Road, site three at Ibeno road, site four at Qua steel and site five at Ikot Ebok road. This was achieved using a portable inspector alert nuclear radiation monitor with serial number1212 made in U.S.A to measure the radiation exposure rate in micro Seviert per hour. The measurement was conducted at reference dumpsites up to about ten (10) spots per dumpsites. The results obtained shows that average absorbed dose rate of the measurement in dumpsite one was 0.17mSv/hr, dumpsite two was 0.15mSv/hr, dumpsite three was 0.14mSv/hr, dumpsite four was 0.16mSv/hr and dumpsite five was 0.18mSv/hr. Dumpsite five produced the highest radiation dose rate which could be as a result of high level of waste dump, decay duration nature of waste generated the average dose rate of about 0.18mSv/hr. This study suggested that these dumpsites generates radiation dose into the environment which are hazardous to humans, animals as well as plants around the dumpsites and therefore, waste should be controlled and managed properly in order to reduce the level of radiation.
Keywords: Radiation Dose, Annual Dose Rate, Permissible Dose, Health Hazard, Dumpsite
