Background radiation dose of dumpsites in Ota and Environs

In-situ measurement of background radiation dose from selected dumpsites in Ota and its environs was done using Radialert Nuclear Radiation Monitor (Digilert 200). Ten measurements were taken from each dumpsite. The measured background radiation range between 0.015 mRhr(-1) for AOD and 0.028 mRhr(-1) for SUS dumpsites. The calculated annual equivalent doses vary between 1.31 mSvyr(-1) for AOD and 2.28 mSv/yr for SUS dumpsites. The air absorbed dose calculated ranged from 150 nGyhr(-1) to 280 nGy/hr for AOD and SUS dumpsites respectively with an average value of 217 nGyhr(-1) for all the locations. All the estimated parameters were higher than permissible limit set for background radiation for the general public. Conclusively, the associated challenge and radiation burden posed by the wastes on the studied locations and scavengers is high. Therefore, there is need by the regulatory authorities to look into the way and how waste can be properly managed so as to alleviate the effects on the populace leaving and working in the dumpsites vicinity.