Survey on the Level of Ionization and Non-Ionization Radiation: Causes, Effects and Controls in Warri Metropolis, Delta State

Survey on the Level of Ionization and Non-Ionization Radiation: Causes, Effects and Controls in Warri Metropolis, Delta State

O. Godwin Ebikabowei

Department of Physics

Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma Yenagoa, Nigeria

O. Reginald

Department of Computer Science University of Calabar,

Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract An extensive survey on the level of ionization and non-ionization radiation with respect to causes, effects and controls in Warri metropolis, Delta State is carried out. The research shows an average radiation dose of about 0.0156mRh-1 against the standard radiation dose of about 0.013mRh-1 across the sampled locations in Warri metropolis, Delta State, Nigeria, attributed mostly to industries with known radioactive activities and also construction companies during breaking of rocks etc. The study employed the use of Radiation detection equipment (Radiation metre) for the collection of radiation dose in the locations, GPS, questionnaires for social survey and SPSS for the statistical analysis and graphing. The study recommends that industries with known use of radioactive elements in their activities should contain radiation in the smallest space possible from the reach of outside environment, sensitization programs should be carried out by relevant agencies to sensitize people on the eminent dangers of radiation and lastly, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on radiation should be carried out on communities of high industrial activities.

Keywords (Radiation, Warri, Effects of Radiation, Delta State)

1. THE STUDY AREA

   Warri is located on coordinates 5° 31 0 N, 5° 45 0 E 5.516667, 5.75, in the heart of Delta State. Warri as a city is undergoing considerable industrialization and urbanization. This economic growth and industrial development is ongoing in this ancient city with little or no concern for its inhabitants with regards to possible negative effects of these activities.

   1. INTRODUCTION

      When people hear the word radiation they often think of radiation as atomic energy, nuclear power and radioactivity; Radiation refers to an emitted energy that travels as electromagnetic waves. In [1] radiation is defined as the emission of streams of particles such as electrons, protons, high-energy photons or an emission of a combination of these; radiation can also be defined as energy in motion, in the form of waves or streams of particles (http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/..) that can cause severe or fatal health problems to people who are exposed to it. Radiation has different forms and comes from many other sources. Sound and visible light are familiar forms of radiation; other types of radiation include ultraviolet radiation (that produces suntan i.e. darkening of the skin), infrared radiation (a form of heat energy) and radio & television signals. But basically radiation is of two types, namely: ionization and non-ionization radiation.

2. AIM AND OBJECTIVES

   This research work is aimed at surveying the level of Ionization and Non-Ionization radiation with respect to causes, effects and controls by determining the level of radiation in some selected locations in Warri metropolis, ascertain the activities of man that has also contributed to the level of radiation in Warri metropolis, ascertain the risk level of exposure to radiation in Warri metropolis, find out the different sources of radiation in our environment, effects of radiation on the people residing in Warri metropolis and suggest ways of avoiding the negative effects of radiation that hazardous to human health.

3. RELATED LITERATURE

   [1] surveyed the gross alpha and beta radionuclide activity in Okpare Creek situated in an oil field in Delta State and reported average alpha activities in the three classified zones as 1.03 ± 0.097, 4.26 ± 0.109 and 10.29±0.489 Bql-1 respectively, and beta activity in the three zones as 0.19 ± 0.100, 0.52 + 0.003 and 0.793 + 0.010 Bql-1 respectively. These values are far above the 0.1 Bq/l for alpha and 1.0 Bq/l for beta WHO maximum recommended level for the screening for drinking water [2]. The results reflected the influence of the activities in the environment.

   Reference [3] estimated the occupational radiation profile of oil and gas facilities during and off production periods in Ughelli oil field. We reported a maximum exposure rate of

   26.00 ± 5.1µRh-l obtained during production period and concluded that the elevated levels indicated a measure of radiation health hazard on the field workers and suggested regular monitoring, job rotation and reduction in radionuclide bearing input materials as precautionary measures, reference

   [4] assessed the natural radioactivity concentration and distribution in River Forcados, Delta State using exploranium

   – The-Identifier GR-135 model and reported the average specific activity values obtained for 40K, 232Th and 226Ra as 113.9 ± 9.70, 12.80 ± 2.84, and 34.62 ± .7lBql-1 respectively. The values obtained are comparable to other reported values obtained elsewhere in Nigerian rivers and well below international standards, thus may not pose any serious radiological health hazards on the populace that uses the river.

   The presence of an industry or factory can contribute to the elevation of the background ionizing radiation of the immediate environment. The effect/impact of industrial production on its host environment essentially depends on the nature of the input raw materials, effluents from the production process and the output products. [5] studied the background radiation pattern of pre- and post- industrial activities of a fertilizer plant and reported an increase in the level of background radiation in the post-industrial activities.

   [6] studied the external environmental radiation in the Trans-Amadi industrial area and other sub-industrial areas of Port Harcourt and reported an average value of 0.014mRh-1. The result indicated some level of impact of the environment and a significant elevation from the standard background radiation level for similar environment. Also, a determination of radionuclide levels in soil and water around cement companies in Port Harcourt revealed mean dose rate equivalent of 0.18 mSv/y and 0.39 mS/y for water and soil samples respectively. These results were lower than the International Communication on Radiological Protection (ICRP) maximum permissible levels but were higher than other non-impacted environments [7]. Furthermore, [7] surveyed the radionuclides concentration of soil, sediments and water in Aba River, Abia State and reported higher concentrations compared to previous studies already reported [8, 9]. This significant increase was attributed to the activities of the Industrial Zone in Aba where the industries discharge their effluents untreated directly into the river. A similar work on the radiological impacts of natural radioactivity along Aleto River due to the petrochemical industry in Port Harcourt showed a significant level of elevation of the radionuclide at the point of discharge of their effluents into the river [10].

   Assessment of the natural radionuclide in borehole water in some selected wells in Port Harcourt revealed that the mean specific activity and the resulting annual effective doses for 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K were 3.51±2.22, 2.04 ± 0.29 at 23.03

   ± 4.37 and 0.36 ± 0.12, 0.51 ± 0.02 and 0.05 ± 0.01mSy/y

   respectively [10]. The results of this survey are within the range obtained elsewhere. Generally, public places showed the highest activity concentration due partially to poor sanitation. Recent studies of th radionuclide contents and background ionizing radiation of some selected dumped sites in Port Harcourt showed some reasonably high values of the radionuclide levels due to the various types of non-segregated wastes ranging from medical, domestic and industrial [11].

4. METHODOLOGY

   The research uses, a radiation meter to measure the level of radiation emitted into the atmosphere and also Questionnaires/Social Survey is used to gather facts on the level of awareness to radiation by people living in these locations.

   1. Field Measurement

      Radiation levels were taken at different locations within and around Warri metropolis using the radiation level meter also the coordinates of these locations where taken with the use of Geographical Positioning System (GPS).

      S/N	Locations	Radiation Dose (mRh-1)	GPS Location
      1	Isoko Estate Junction	0.0152	N 050 33.369 E 0050 46.869
      2	Jakpa Junction	0.0172	N 050 33.374 E 0050 47.059
      3	Refinery Junction	0.0202	N 050 34.176 E 0050 47.057
      4	Effurun Round About Junction	0.0164	N 050 34.307 E 0050 47.029
      5	P.T.I Junction	0.0138	N 050 34.397 E 0050 47.968
      6	Masoje Junction (P.T.I Road)	0.0180	N 050 33.929 E 0050 47.726
      7	UTI Junction (PTI Road)	0.0162	N 050 33.601 E 0050 47.573
      8	Alegbor Junction (PTI Road)	0.0182	N 050 33.458 E 0050 47.486
      9	Effurun Market	0.0162	N 050 33.327 E 0050 47.211
      10	Warri Refinery	0.0280	N 050 33.962 E 0050 43.438
      11	EkpanJuntion	0.0180	N 050 33.748 E 0050 44.595
      12	Link Road Junction	0.0150	N 050 32.366 E 0050 44.848
      13	Giwa-Amu Junction (Airport Road)	0.0174	N 050 32.400 E 0050 44.957
      14	Airport Road by Bright Hope Junction	0.0166	N 050 32.464 E 0050 45.168
      15	Ugborikoko Junction (Airport Road)	0.0148	N 050 32.451 E 0050 45.831
      16	Delta Palace Junction (Airport Road)	0.0166	N 050 32.476 E 0050 45.744
      17	Airport Junction	0.0156	N 050 32.843 E 0050 46.765
      18	Water Resources Junction	0.0130	N 050 32.449 E 0050 46.652
      19	Urhobo College School	0.0116	N 050 32.043 E 0050 46.642
      20	Enuhen Junction	0.0170	N 050 31.686 E 0050 46.413
      21	1st Marine Gate Junction	0.0086	N 050 31.470 E 0050 46.083
      22	Neco Junction	0.0120	N 050 31.346 E 0050 45.986
      23	Mademort Junction	0.0130	N 050 31.170 E 0050 45.910
      24	Hausa Quarters	0.0110	N 050 31.063 E 0050 45.774
      25	Lower Junction	0.0116	N 050 30.971 E 0050 45.480
      26	Okere Round-About	0.0148	N 050 30.865 E 0050 45.003
      27	Main Market Junction	0.0150	N 050 30.820 E 0050 44.766

      26

      S/N	Locations	Radiation Dose (mRh-1)	GPS Location
      1	Isoko Estate Junction	0.0152	N 050 33.369 E 0050 46.869
      2	Jakpa Junction	0.0172	N 050 33.374 E 0050 47.059
      3	Refinery Junction	0.0202	N 050 34.176 E 0050 47.057
      4	Effurun Round About Junction	0.0164	N 050 34.307 E 0050 47.029
      5	P.T.I Junction	0.0138	N 050 34.397 E 0050 47.968
      6	Masoje Junction (P.T.I Road)	0.0180	N 050 33.929 E 0050 47.726
      7	UTI Junction (PTI Road)	0.0162	N 050 33.601 E 0050 47.573
      8	Alegbor Junction (PTI Road)	0.0182	N 050 33.458 E 0050 47.486
      9	Effurun Market	0.0162	N 050 33.327 E 0050 47.211
      10	Warri Refinery	0.0280	N 050 33.962 E 0050 43.438
      11	EkpanJuntion	0.0180	N 050 33.748 E 0050 44.595
      12	Link Road Junction	0.0150	N 050 32.366 E 0050 44.848
      13	Giwa-Amu Junction (Airport Road)	0.0174	N 050 32.400 E 0050 44.957
      14	Airport Road by Bright Hope Junction	0.0166	N 050 32.464 E 0050 45.168
      15	Ugborikoko Junction (Airport Road)	0.0148	N 050 32.451 E 0050 45.831
      16	Delta Palace Junction (Airport Road)	0.0166	N 050 32.476 E 0050 45.744
      17	Airport Junction	0.0156	N 050 32.843 E 0050 46.765
      18	Water Resources Junction	0.0130	N 050 32.449 E 0050 46.652
      19	Urhobo College School	0.0116	N 050 32.043 E 0050 46.642
      20	Enuhen Junction	0.0170	N 050 31.686 E 0050 46.413
      21	1st Marine Gate Junction	0.0086	N 050 31.470 E 0050 46.083
      22	Neco Junction	0.0120	N 050 31.346 E 0050 45.986
      23	Mademort Junction	0.0130	N 050 31.170 E 0050 45.910
      24	Hausa Quarters	0.0110	N 050 31.063 E 0050 45.774
      25	Lower Junction	0.0116	N 050 30.971 E 0050 45.480
      Okere Round-About	0.0148	N 050 30.865 E 0050 45.003
      27	Main Market Junction	0.0150	N 050 30.820 E 0050 44.766

      TABLE 1. RADIATION LEVELS SAMPLE LOCATIONS WITHIN THE STUDY AREA

      S/N	Locations	Radiation Dose (mRh-1)	GPS Location
      28	NPA	0.0166	N 050 31.384 E 0050 43.449
      29	Shell Contractor Junction	0.0144	N 050 31.709 E 0050 43.381
      30	Angle Park	0.0130	N 050 31.750 E 0050 43.909
      31	Total Round About	0.0150	N 050 31.900 E 0050 44.405
      32	Estate Junction	0.0190	N 050 31.788 E 0050 47.773
      33	Ojagbugbe Junction	0.0164	N 050 31.635 E 0050 45.345
      34	Sinebiren Junction	0.0156	N 050 31.593 E 0050 45.515

      S/N	Locations	Radiation Dose (mRh-1)	GPS Location
      28	NPA	0.0166	N 050 31.384 E 0050 43.449
      29	Shell Contractor Junction	0.0144	N 050 31.709 E 0050 43.381
      30	Angle Park	0.0130	N 050 31.750 E 0050 43.909
      31	Total Round About	0.0150	N 050 31.900 E 0050 44.405
      32	Estate Junction	0.0190	N 050 31.788 E 0050 47.773
      33	Ojagbugbe Junction	0.0164	N 050 31.635 E 0050 45.345
      34	Sinebiren Junction	0.0156	N 050 31.593 E 0050 45.515

   2. Questionnaires and Social Survey

      A total number of 200 questionnaires were distributed randomly and on a scale of 5 responses randomly.

   3. Graphical Analysis

   Graphical representation of the data which was gathered in the course of this research work is presented below.

   Fig. 1 Histogram Showing the Radiation Level in 10 Different Locations in Warri Metropolis

   Fig. 2 Histogram Showing the Radiation Level in 10 Different Locations in Warri Metropolis

   Fig. 3 Histogram Showing the Radiation Level in 10 Different Locations in Warri Metropolis

   Fig. 4 Combined Histogram Showing the Radiation Level in all sampled Locations in Warri Metropolis

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

   Excessive exposure to radiation courses severe damage to the human skin and consequently poses health problems on individual. The negative effect radiation has on peoples Health are considered. The study comprises the use of radiation detectors in the likes of radiation meter, and the applications of questionnaires for social survey work.

   Table 1 shows the data obtained for radiation levels at the various locations and their coordinates of these locations within the Warri metropolis.

   Fig. 1 shows a histogram of radiation levels of ten locations. Fig. 1 shows that the radiation levels at Warri Refinery Junction and Warri Refinery having the highest level of radiation of about 0.028mRh-1against the standard radiation of 0.013mRh-1; this high level of radiation is expected due to the activities that are carried out in the refinery which involve exploration, exploitation, drilling, production, logging etc. Some of these activities utilize explosives made of uranium, radium, strontium and other radioisotopes. During drilling, three primary radioactive sources which are logging, stabilization and calibration sources are identified. These sources emit gamma rays and neutrons into the atmosphere thus increasing the radiation level, thereby endangering the lives of personnel and staff on oil platforms and the immediate environment. Fig. 2 shows yet another histogram of radiation levels of ten locations having the Ekpan Junction recording the highest level of radiation amongst its counterparts. Fig. 3 shows yet another histogram that shows radiation levels of ten

   locations having the NPA (Nigerian Ports Authority), recording the highest radiation level. Fig. 4 shows a combined histogram of all the 34 locations mentioned in Table 1. From the histogram the highest point noted is the Warri-Refinery having about 0.028mRh-1. This location is expected to have the highest point ever because of the petroleum activities that are carried out on daily basis.

6. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

   This research work was carried out on radiation. The research deals with the factors that increase radiation in the environment. This research work also deal with effects of radiation to people and consequently the environment. Industrial activities in the city of Warri have contributed to the radiation level, mostly at areas of high population. As a developing city, Warri has quite a number of industries in the likes of Telecommunication industries, Construction companies etc. these entire industries use one or more radioactive elements like Uranium in their day to day activities.

7. RECOMMENDATIONS

   1. Industries with known use of radioactive elements in their activities should contain radiation in the smallest space possible from the reach of outside environment

   2. Sensitization programs should be carried out by relevant agencies to sensitize people on the eminent dangers of radiation

   3. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on radiation should be carried out on communities of high industrial activities

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