Samples of domestically produced industrial raw minerals and soil samples from three
mining sites of quality ceramic/smelting and pottery industries in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria,
were collected and analyzed for their 226Ra, 232Th and
40K contents using gamma-ray spectroscopy. The range of activity concentrations
of the radionuclides in the industrial raw minerals were 17.55 ± 1.63 to 80.99 ± 2.61
Bq.kg-1 for 226Ra, 7.64 ± 0.77 to 23.94 ± 0.92
Bq.kg-1 for 232Th and 63.22 ± 3.43 to 503.90 ± 5.69
Bq.kg-1 for 40K, while in the soil samples they varied
from 2.87 to 34.78 Bq.kg-1, 7.02 to 24.47 Bq.kg-1 and 7.05 to 162.81
Bq.kg-1 for 226Ra, 232Th and 40K,
respectively. These results, along with the estimated absorbed dose rates, annual
effective dose rates, radium equivalent
(Raeq), external hazard index
(Hex), internal hazard index
(Hin) and representative of the gamma index
(Iγg) are presented. The results obtained
were below the internationally accepted safe limits. Therefore, the analyzed samples could
be used in the local industries in the area as component raw materials and/or as building
materials. Also, the mining activities of these minerals in the area have not
significantly affected the natural radiation dose levels in the area, hence the resulting
dose to the population is therefore considered generally low.