Radiological hazard assessment of radionuclides in soils from Okitipupa waste dumpsites

This study assesses the radiological hazards of soils from dumpsites by measuring the activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K using a thallium-doped sodium iodide detector system on 20 soil samples collected from waste dumpsites along Ore, Idepe, Market, and Doctor’s roads, Okitipupa, Ondo State. The average activity concentrations of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K in soil samples from waste dumpsites were as follows: Ore Road (18.44 ± 7.28, 10.17 ± 3.47, 42.34 ± 18.29 Bq/kg), Idepe Road (123.58 ± 19.72, 28.24 ± 4.26, 373.26 ± 14.33 Bq/kg), Market Road (55.15 ± 2.71, 14.28 ± 3.31, 303.22 ± 13.96 Bq/kg), and Doctor’s Road (89.49 ± 10.41, 19.04 ± 3.90, 215.35 ± 25.62 Bq/kg). While ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K levels were below global averages, ²³⁸U exceeded 33 Bq/kg, indicating potential health risks. The study calculated radiological risk indices, indicating low potential radiation exposure while emphasising the need for ongoing monitoring due to long-term implications, providing valuable insights for improving waste management policies and public health interventions in Nigeria and similar regions worldwide.