RESUMO
Cassava holds a vital position as a staple food in Nigeria, forming a significant portion of the daily diet for the population. Unfortunately, food intake can serve as a pathway for radiological contamination in humans and animals. In this study conducted in an old coal mining area in Enugu State, Nigeria, cassava samples from the area were analyzed using gamma ray spectroscopy. The results revealed significant mean activity concentrations of the radionuclides 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in camp 1, camp 2, and Pottery areas. The activity concentration ranged from 193.68 to 300.92 Bq/kg for 40 K, 23.03 to 37.24 Bq/kg for 226Ra, and 135.33 to 158.43 Bq/kg for 232Th, respectively. Of concern is the total mean annual effective dose resulting from exposure to these 3 observed radionuclides that was calculated to be 2.03 mSv/yr. This value exceeds the recommended limit of 1 mSv/yr, indicating potential health risks associated with the radiological contamination from cassava consumption in this region. In summary, the study shows that cassava samples from the investigated area exhibited elevated levels of radiotoxicity, raising concerns about the safety of consuming cassava from this region as a food source.
RESUMO
A study on the radiological dose assessment due to the presence of natural radionuclides in the top soil of Imo state Polytechnic was carried out using a gamma spectroscopic method. From the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides in the topsoil, the absorbed dose rate and annual effects of doses were established. The activity concentrations ranged from 59.20 to 203.78 Bqkg-1, 8.74 to 45.78 Bqkg-1, and 12.73 to 44.01 Bqkg-1 for the radionuclides 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th respectively. The absorbed dose rates ranged from 16.70 to 52.10 nGyh-1 while the indoor and outdoor annual effective doses ranged from 20.48 to 63.89 µSvy-1 and 81.94 to 255.58 µSvy-1 respectively. From the results, it shows that the radiation from natural radionuclides in the top soil posed no radiological threat to the population of the institution.
RESUMO
The carbon di-oxide (CO2) emissions emanating from the consumption of fossil fuels for generation of electric power in order to sustain the smooth running of activities at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) has been investigated. With appropriate emission factors and the amount of fuel consumption by the generators per annum, the annual CO2 emissions from both diesel and PMS operated electricity generators were estimated. This emission amounted to ~1460.20 tons of CO2 per annum with the institution's diesel generators accounting for ~59%. The several gasoline generating sets scattered across the institution accounts for ~31% of the total CO2 emission. From literature, the result of this study shows that FUTO is one of the highest carbon emitters amongst other institutions were such studies have been carried out. There is a crucial need to control pollution and diversify into renewable sources of energy so as to reduce the carbon footprint emanating from generating power for the institution's use.
RESUMO
We reviewed the various sub-sectors of the Nigerian transport sector with their corresponding energy consumption rates. Results show that all the sub-sectors are solely dependent on fossil fuels to meet their energy demands and requirements, thus making the transport sector the highest consumer of fossil fuels, and consequently, the highest contributor to carbon footprint. This necessitates the need for gradual decarbonisation of the sector, but not at the expense of the nation's economy, since the transport sector contributes about 3% of the nation's GDP. We have therefore outlined measures to decarbonise the sector. These include revitalisation of the rail and water transport; encouragement of mass transit; improving the state of security on Nigerian roads; employment of low-carbon fuels (biodiesels); and use of electric vehicles.