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Geological interactions and radio-chemical risks of primordial radionuclides 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in soil and groundwater from potential radioactive waste disposal site in Ghana

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Abstract

This study assessed the influence of geological depth and formation on activity concentrations of 232Th, 226Ra and 40K in soil and groundwater, and radio-chemical health risks. Preference ranking organisation method for enrichment evaluation and geometrical analysis for interactive aid indicated significant correlation between 232Th and 40K, thus indicating potential similar primordial origin. Deepest depth rocks at 145 m and 148 m constituted of dark coloured silicified schist exhibited minimal activity with potential hydro-geological interactions with groundwater. Age-dependent annual effective ingestion dose for 226Ra and 232Th are higher than the UNSCEAR reference dose, thus the groundwater is unsuitable for long-term consumption.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their profound appreciation to the Radiation Protection Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission for providing the enabling environment as well as some logistical support for this study. The authors also appreciate the support of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in diverse ways including logistical and expert advisories.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radioactive Waste Management Centre, Radiation Protection Institute, Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, P. O. Box LG 80, Legon, Accra, Ghana

    Eric Akortia, Eric T. Glover, Abdallah M. A. Dawood, Paul Essel, Evelyn Ofosu Sarfo, Evans M. Ameho, Emmanuel A. Aberikae & Gustav Gbeddy

  2. School of Nuclear and Allied Science, College of Science, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

    Eric T. Glover & Mawutorli Nyarku

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  1. Eric Akortia
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Akortia, E., Glover, E.T., Nyarku, M. et al. Geological interactions and radio-chemical risks of primordial radionuclides 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in soil and groundwater from potential radioactive waste disposal site in Ghana. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 328, 577–589 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-021-07675-2

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