Radiological impact of oil spilled environment: A case study of the Eriemu well 13 and 19 oil spillage in Ughelli region of delta state, Nigeria

Type Journal Article - Indian Journal of Science and Technology
Title Radiological impact of oil spilled environment: A case study of the Eriemu well 13 and 19 oil spillage in Ughelli region of delta state, Nigeria
Author(s)
Volume 3
Issue 9
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2010
Page numbers 1001-1005
URL http://www.indjst.org/index.php/indjst/article/viewFile/29876/25836
Abstract
A six years of radiation impact assessment in an oil spillage environment and the host communities in Ughelli region of
delta state have been conducted, using a digilert nuclear radiation monitor meter and a geographical positioning
system (GPS). Measurements were made in 20 sites, 6 host communities and a control sample spread across the
affected area. Measured average location values ranged between 0.010 mRh-1 (0.532 mSv y-1) to 0.019 mRh-1(1.010
mSv y-1). The yearly exposure rate ranged between 0.013±0.006 mRh-1(0.692±0.080 mSvy-1) to 0.016±0.005 mRh-1
(0.851±0.100 mSv y-1) in the oil spillage area. The host communities’ values ranged between 0.011 mRh-1(0.585 mSv
y-1) to 0.015 mRh-1(0.798 mSv y-1) with an average value of 0.010 mRh-1(0.532 mSv y-1) recorded at the control
sample. The radiation levels within these oil spillage areas and the host communities were of 55% and 33.3%
respectively above the normal background level of 0.013 mRh-1. The average equivalent dose rate obtained was higher
than the 0.478 ?Sv/y normal background level but was within the safe limit of 0.05 Sv y-1 recommended by ICRP and
NCRP. These values obtained will not pose any immediate radiological health hazard to the host communities and
workers within this environment.

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