RADIOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF MINED TRONA COMMONLY CONSUMED IN MINNA, NIGER STATE, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

This study reports the concentration of naturally occurring radionuclide materials in mined salts (Trona) generally consumed in Minna, Niger State, north-central Nigeria. Because of the increase in the consumption of Trona in Minna, the government is considering enacting a policy that will regulate the radiological effects of trona in the general population. Eight (8) varieties of Trona currently in the market were purchased. The samples were analyzed using NaI(TI) gamma ray spectrometry. The radiological parameters, such as radium equivalent (Raeq), annual effective dose (AED), internal hazard index (Hin), and total cancer risk (fatality plus hereditary) were used to estimate the radiological risk associated with the ingestion of mined Trona. The average activity concentration of ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra, and ²³²Th varied from 331.12 Bqkg^-1, 19.39 Bqkg^-1, and 6.42 Bqkg^-1, respectively. Raeq, Hin, and AED were estimated at 54.08 Bqkg^-1, 0.19, and 40.28 mSv/y, respectively. These results were within the acceptable limits by UNSCEAR and USEPA, and there is no apparent justification for radiological risk concern in the current Trona consumption rate in Minna.