Radiological Assessment and Potential Health Risks of Tailings from Komu, Southwestern Nigeria

There are reports that radionuclides found in mining tailings pose significant challenges to the natural environment and cause health risks to humans. The study investigated the levels of activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K radionuclides, as well as radiological hazard indices in tailings sourced from Komu, a community emblematic of mining activities in the Southwest of Nigeria. Thirty (30) tailing samples were collected and analysed by a High-purity Germanium (HpGe) detector. The results revealed high activity concentrations of these radionuclides exceeding global averages and indicating potential health risks. The activity concentration of 226Ra ranged between 312.07 and 851.14 Bq/kg, with an average of 652.86 Bq/kg. Similarly, the activity concentration of 232Th ranged between 33.31 and 160.10 Bq/kg, with an average of 116.26 Bq/kg. In addition, the activity concentration of 40K ranged between 96.11 and 1184.65 Bq/kg, with an average of 717.53 Bq/kg. The radiological hazard indices considered in this study exceeded the internationally accepted safety limit for building construction materials. These findings indicate heightened exposure risks, emphasizing the need for regulatory measures to mitigate hazards associated with tailings sourced from Komu, particularly for building construction purposes.