Natural radionuclides distribution in quarry products from quarries in Osun and Oyo States, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Granites are one of the major quarry products that are widely used in building materials, thus it is imperative to investigate its radiological safety as regard human protection. This study therefore determines the concentrations of natural radionuclides of ⁴⁰K, ²³⁸U, and ²³²Th in quarry products of three different sizes (Stone-Dust, 3/4-Down and 3/4-Up) collected from quarries in Osun and Oyo States, Southwestern Nigeria, using gamma-ray spectrometry technique. The average radioactivity concentrations of ²³²Th, ²³⁸U, and ⁴⁰K for Stone-Dust samples are 8.92 ± 0.81, 15.70 ± 1.19, and 374.26 ± 12.74, Bq/kg respectively while for 3/4-Up samples are 2.78 ± 0.39, 3.99 ± 0.65, and 146.99 ± 2.55, Bq/kg respectively and those for 3/4-Down samples are 5.68 ± 0.64, 6.61 ± 0.57, and 250.78 ± 4.02, Bq/kg respectively. The results of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA-1) and Scheffee pair-wise comparisons tests performed on the quarry products showed that Stone-Dust samples have the highest mean activity concentrations, but all the analyzed samples have lower activity concentrations when compared with the recommended limits. This indicated that using the samples assayed for the mentioned purposes may not pose any radiological hazard to the workers and populace.