Assessment of Natural Radioactivity and Radiological Hazards in Water, Soil, and Sediments Around a Leather Company in Challawa Industrial Area, Kano State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study evaluates the activity concentrations of naturally occurring radionuclides (40K, 226Ra, and 232Th) and associated radiological hazard indices in water, soil, and sediment samples collected from the vicinity of God’s Little Tannery. The mean concentrations in water were 30.134 ± 10.959 Bq/kg for 40K, 27.464 ± 16.175 Bq/kg for 226Ra, and 26.002 ± 11.621 Bq/kg for 232Th. Soil samples recorded higher values with mean concentrations of 260.942 Bq/kg for 40K, 16.644 ± 6.833 Bq/kg for 226Ra, and 39.536 ± 7.445 Bq/kg for 232Th. Sediments showed moderate levels. Radiological hazard parameters such as absorbed dose rate, radium equivalent activity, external hazard index (Hex), internal hazard index (Hin), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), and committed effective dose were evaluated. The mean absorbed dose rates were 29.650 nGy/h (water), 42.450 nGy/h (soil), and 21.789 nGy/h (sediment). The calculated hazard indices (Hex and Hin) for all samples were below the recommended limit of unity, indicating minimal radiological risk. Additionally, ELCR values were below the UNSCEAR recommended threshold, suggesting no significant long-term cancer risk to the exposed population. However, the relatively higher radionuclide concentrations in soil compared to water and sediment indicate possible accumulation from industrial activities. Continuous monitoring is recommended to ensure environmental safety and public health protection.