MEASUREMENT OF BACKGROUND IONIZING RADIATION IN

OLUSEGUN AGAGU UNIVEERSITY OF SCIENCE AND

TECHNOLOGY, OKITIPUPA, NIGERIA USING CALIBERATED
DIGITAL GEIGER COUNTER.

BY

AKINGBADE ABIODUN JOHN

MATRIC NUMBER: PHY/18/1118

SUPERVISOR: DR. N.O. ILORI

 INTRODUCTION

Background radiation, also known as ambient radiation, is the ionizing radiation that is present in our
environment, which originates from natural sources and human activities (WHO, 2023). It is a type of energy
emitted by a number of sources, such as radioactive materials, cosmic rays, X-ray procedures, and more.
Radiation is a powerful force because it has the energy to separate closely bound electrons from their atoms.
High-energy electromagnetic waves like gamma and X-rays as well as high-energy protons, neutrons, electrons,
and alpha particles are examples of this type of radiation.
Radiation exposure at high levels can change human DNA, increasing the risk of various diseases, including
cancer .

Background radiation is measured using units such as the sievert (Sv) for biological effects, the gray (Gy) for
absorbed dose, and the becquerel (Bq) for radioactive decay rates. The average background radiation dose
globally is approximately 2-3 millisieverts (mSv) per year, though this can vary depending on geographic and
environmental factors. Measurement and monitoring are essential for understanding and managing radiation
exposure and ensuring safety standards are met.
 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The problem addressed by this study is the need to accurately measure and monitor
background ionizing radiation levels at OAUSTECH in Okitipupa, Nigeria. This is crucial for
ensuring that radiation levels remain within safe limits for the health and safety of students,
staff, and the surrounding community. Accurate measurement using a calibrated digital Geiger
counter is essential to identify any potential radiation hazards and address them effectively.
 OBJECTIVES OF PROJECT

The Objectives of the study are to;

 To accurately measure the background ionizing radiation levels at various

locations within the university campus using a calibrated digital Geiger counter.
 To compare the measured radiation levels with established safety standards and
guidelines.
 To identify any areas with elevated radiation levels and assess potential sources
of radiation
 METHODOLOGY
Ondo State lies between longitude 4°30’E and 6°0’E and 7°30°N with a mean annual rainfall of 1,150 mm in the
northern areas to about 2,000 mm in the southern areas; relative humidity between 70% and 85% in the southern
region and less than 78% in the northern region, with a mean temperature of 21°C in the south and 32°C in the
north (Rahaman, 2009).The coastal region of Ondo state Where Okitipupa is located, is characterized by very
heavy with rainfall varying from about 2,000 mm annum in Irele and Okitipupa areas to about 3,000 mm annum
in llaje and Ese Odo areas. The mean annual temperature is about 25° C with a fluctuation range of about -4 C m
the rainy season which uses to about +7 C in the dry season. Olusegun Agagu University of Science and
Technology Okitipupa (OAUSTECH), the study area is located in Okitipupa, Ondo State with a latitude of
6.4948° N and Longitude of 4.7794°E and its elevation as approximately 39 meters (128 feet) above sea level.
This study was conducted in Main Campus of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology. Olusegun
Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) is a state-owned University situated in Okitipupa in
the Southern Senatorial District of Ondo State, Nigeria. OAUSTECH; a multi-campus institution founded on
September 27, 2010, and began academic activities in January 2011, with three Campuses: Main, Mini, and Mega
Campuses. The Main Campus is the largest of the University Campuses hosting the University's School of
Science, Business Administration, Nursing and partly the School of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
 MATREIALS USED

FIG 3.2: Image of mobile GPS app. FIG 3.3: Image of the GMC 500 used during the course of research.

The natural radiation levels were assessed using the digital Geiger Muller Counter (GMC-500) and also a mobile Global
Position System (GPS). This instrument is capable of measuring the Natural Background Radiation (NBR) rates in one count
per minutes (CPM). The digital Geiger counter is a particle detector that could detect Alpha, Beta and gamma radiations
(although it detects gamma ray with lower sensitivity compared toher detectors).

Also the mobile GPS was used to measure the latitude, longitude and also the Elevation of different sampling point in the
study area
 METHODOLOGY CONT”D
RADIOLOGICAL HAZARD ASSESMENT
Absorbed Dose Rate (D)
The absorbed dose rate is used to assess the potential for any biochemical changes in specific tissues. It quantifies the radiation energy that might
be absorbed by a potentially exposed individual.
The absorbed dose rate is calculated as ;(Ugbede, 2018)
D (nGyh-1) = 8700 × X (mR/h)
Where D is the absorbed dose rate in nGy/h, 8700 is a constant and X is the value of the mean of the measurement (background radiation of the
study area) in mR/h.
Annual Effective Dose Equivalent (AEDE)
The AEDE is used in radiation assessment and protection to quantify the whole body absorbed dose per year. It is used to assess the potential for
long-term effects that might occur in the future.
𝐴𝐸𝐷𝐸(𝑚𝑆𝑣. 𝑦−1) 𝑜𝑜𝑟 = 𝐷 (𝑛𝐺𝑦. ℎ−1) × 8760ℎ × 𝐶𝐹 × 𝑂𝐹 × 10 −6
where D is the absorbed dose rate in nGy/h, 8760 h is the total hours in a year, CF is the dose conversion factor from absorbed dose in air to the
effective dose in Sv/Gy (CF = 0.7 Sv/Gy), OF is the occupancy factor, the expected period the members of the population would spend within the
study area. OF = 0.2 for outdoor as it is expected that human beings would spend 20 % of their time outdoors as recommended by (UNSCEAR,
2008).
Excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR)
The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) is a measure used to estimate the additional risk of developing cancer over a lifetime due to exposure to
a carcinogenic agent, in this case, ionizing radiation.
 METHODOLOGY CONT”D

Where AEDE is the average annual effective dose from natural background radiation, the average lifespan (duration
of life, DL) is typically considered to be around 70 years. The International Commission on Radiological Protection
(ICRP) suggests a nominal risk factor (RF) for cancer induction of 5.5% per sievert (0.055 Sv -1) for the general
population.
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 4.1: Mean Background Radiation and the Radiological Table 4.2: Mean Background Radiation and the

Hazard Indices for the outdoor radiation. Radiological Hazard Indices for the Indoor

AEDE(outdo ELC
radiation.
School code Location Y(µSv/h mR/h D or) R School AEDE ELC
0.012 112.0 0.192 code Location Y(µSv/h mR/h D (indoor) R
SC 1 School of Agric 0.1288 88 56 0.5497 4 SC 1 0.012 110.3 0.047
School of Earth 0.011 0.168 (indoor) School of Agric 0.1268 68 16 0.1353 4
SC 2 Sciences 0.1130 3 98.31 0.4823 8 SC 2 School of Earth 0.008 75.60 0.032
0.014 128.5 0.220 (indoor) Sciences 0.0869 69 3 0.0927 5
SC 3 VC Lodge 0.1478 78 86 0.6308 8 SC 3 0.008 74.55 0.032
Lerry Construction 0.013 115.1 0.197 (indoor) VC Lodge 0.0857 57 9 0.0914 0
SC 4 Site 0.1324 24 88 0.5651 8 SC 4 Lerry Construction 0.012 104.7 0.045
0.014 124.5 0.213 (indoor) Site 0.1204 04 48 0.1285 0
SC 5 Health Center 0.1432 32 84 0.6112 9
SC
0.012 111.8 0.192
5(indoor 0.011 95.87 0.041
SC 6 School Library 0.1286 86 82 0.5488 1
) Health Center 0.1102 02 4 0.1176 2
0.011 0.168
Minimum 0.1130 3 98.31 0.4823 8 SC 6 0.011 103.2 0.044
0.014 124.5 0.213 (indoor) School Library 0.1187 87 69 0.1266 3
Maximum 0.1432 32 84 0.6112 9 Minimu 0.008 74.55 0.032
World m 0.0869 6 90 0.0914 0
Average 0.8400 0.084 84 2.4 Maximu 0.012 110.3 0.047
m 0.1268 7 160 0.1353 4
WorldAv
erage 0.8400 0.084 84 2.4000
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 4.3: ELCR value for this study compared with selected few from other parts of the world

S/N Study Location ELCR (x 10-3) References

1 Kirklareli, Turkey 0.29 Taskin et al., 2009

2 Northern Pakistan 1.45 Qureshi et al., 2014
3 Southern Iraq 0.51 Mohammed & Ahmed, 2017

4 Okitipupa, Ondo State, Nigeria 0.37 Present Study

5 Global Average 0.48 UNSCEAR, 2000

Fig 4.3: The radiological hazard indices distribution of the AEDE and ELCR For indoor
Radiation.
0.16

0.14

0.12

0.1

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0
1 2 3 4 5 6

AEDE ELCR
 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Fig 4.4: The radiological hazard indices distribution of the AEDE and ELCR for outdoor Radiation.

0.7

0.6

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
1 2 3 4 5 6

AEDE ELCR
 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

CONCLUSION
By measuring the radiation exposure rate surrounding several sample places in the area, this study
evaluated the radiological impact of the study area. Calculations and records were made for the absorbed
dose, AEDE, and ELCR. It is noteworthy that the background radiation for all indoor facilities is below
the global average equivalent dose limit of 2.4 set for ionizing radiation by the United Nations Scientific
Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiations (UNSCEAR) in 2000, while the ambient radiation
recorded for all outdoor facilities is well below the recommended limit of 1.0 set by the International
Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP) in 1990. Therefore, Sabo, Okitipupa, Ondo state, Nigeria's
ambient radiation levels are within the safe range and hence, there are no health risks from harmful
radiation exposure in the location
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is advised to put in place routine monitoring procedures to keep tabs on radiation levels in the main
Campus of OAUSTECH, Okitipupa, Ondo State, in light of the findings of this study. Furthermore, there
should be public awareness campaigns to inform locals about the possible health risks associated with
radiation exposure. Additionally, some of the study area's sampling locations exhibit future radiation risk
due to activities conducted there, such as the metals and also some dump site. These areas may be
subject to future risk measures, so there should be proper disposal of the waste, especially the ones from
medicals and metals due to its high radioactive nature. Which aim to control and reduce radiation levels
to effectively protect the public's health and the integrity of the environment.
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