Oalib Open Access Library Journal 2333-9721 2333-9705 Scientific Research Publishing 10.4236/oalib.1114863 Oalib-149323 Article Biomedical Life Sciences Business Economics Chemistry Materials Science Computer Science Communications Earth Environmental Sciences Engineering Medicine Healthcare Physics Mathematics Social Sciences Humanities Radiological Assessment Due to Natural Radioactivity in Rocks and Associated Health Impacts in Chetambe Hills, Kenya Wanyama Mukanda Kere 1 Waswa Michael Nakitare 1 Wanjala Felix Omonya 2 Hashim Nadir Omar 3 Department of Science, Technology & Engineering, Kibabii University, Bungoma, Kenya IAEA, Vienna, Austria Department of Physics, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

The authors declare no conflict of interest

 02 02 2026 02 2026 13 02 1 15 11 01 2026 30 01 2026 02 02 2026 © 2026 by the authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. 2026 This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ). https://doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1114863

A radiological assessment due to natural radioactivity in rocks and associated health impacts in Chetambe hills, Kenya has been done using NaI (TI) detector employing gamma ray spectrometry technique. The activity concentrations of 238U in the rock samples ranged from a minimum of 33 ± 1.65 Bq/Kg to a maximum of 119 ± 5.97 Bq/Kg with an average of 68 ± 3.23 Bq/Kg. The activity concentrations of 232Th varied from a minimum 15 ± 0.75 Bq/Kg to a maximum of 167 ± 8.39 Bq/Kg with an average of 72 ± 3.48 Bq/Kg while the activity concentrations of 40K varied from a minimum of 50 ± 2.5 Bq/Kg to a maximum of 2042 ± 6.43 Bq/Kg with an average of 866 ± 5.78 Bq/Kg. The averages for the three radionuclides all exceeded 33 Bq/Kg, 45 Bq/Kg and 420 Bq/Kg for 238U, 232Th and 40K respectively. The absorbed dose rate (Dr) ranged from a minimum of 33 ± 1.67 nGy/h to a maximum of 230 ± 11.53 nGy/h with an average of 111 ± 7.32 nGy. The AEDRin ranged from a minimum of 0.1 ± 0 mSv/y to a maximum of 0.8 ± 0.04 mSv/y with an average of 0.4 ± 0.02 mSv/y. AEDRout ranged from a minimum of 0.2 ± 0.01 mSv/y to a maximum of 0.5 ± 0.02 mSv/y with a mean of 0.2 ± 0.01 mSv/y. The radium equivalent for the study area varied from a minimum of 74 ± 3.74 Bq/kg to a maximum of 492 ± 24.61 Bq/kg with a mean value of 238 ± 6.34 Bq/kg which was below the world average value of 370 Bq/kg. The internal hazard indices varied from a minimum of 0.2 ± 0.01 mSv/y to a maximum of 1.3 ± 0.06 mSv/y with mean of 0.6 ± 0.02 mSv/y while external hazard indices varied from a minimum of 0.3 ± 0.01 mSv/y to a maximum of 1.6 ± 0.08 mSv/y with an average of 0.8 ± 0.03 mSv/y. The mean values of Hin and Hex were both below the unity. The ELCRout values varied from 0.2 ± 0.09 to 1.9 ± 0.08 with a mean of 0.9 ± 0.06 that was below the acceptable limit of 2.9 × 10−4. The values for ELCRin ranged from 0.4 ± 0.03 to 2.9 ± 0.07 with a mean value of 1.4 ± 0.05 which was equally lower than the world average of 2.9 × 10−4. Thus radiation exposure from the rocks does not pose a health risk to the general public.

 Natural Radioactivity Health Impact Chetambe Hills 1. Introduction

The existence of naturally occurring radionuclides dates back to the formation of the earth [1]. Exposure to ionizing radiations of primordial origin by human population can be a result of terrestrial radiations. Continuous exposure to ionizing radiation may lead to the damage of germ cells that may result in birth defects and limb deformations [2]. Natural radioactivity in rocks emanates from the daughter radionuclides of 238U, 232Th and singly occurring 40K [3] that are significantly found in the environment. The levels of radionuclides of 238U, 232Th and 40K vary from place to place depending on the geological and geographical location [4]. The three radionuclides have very long half-lives; 4.468 × 109 years, 1.405 × 1010 years and 1.22 × 109 years for 238U, 232Th and 40K respectively [5]. According to [6], assessment and quantification of natural radioactivity levels in the environment are important in determining the safety standards in the utilization of rocks, soils and water. According to [7], individuals exposed to excess 232Th have an increased risk of bone cancer while ingestion of high concentration of 238U can cause lung cancer and kidney damage. Rocks from Chetambe hills are used as construction materials in Bungoma County and the neighboring counties of Tranzoia and Kakamega [8]. This research was prompted by the outcry of the residents of the study area whose cancer cases have escalated. They were quoted by the star newspaper of 2/11/2023 complaining of the burden of moving long distances seeking for medication. Therefore, there was a need for an assessment of the study area since it is dominated by rocks of granitic nature according to the geological mapping by [9]. Granitic rocks are associated with high concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K [10].

 2. Study Area

The study area is located in Bungoma County. The Hills rise steeply to a height of 1685 m above sea level. Chetambe Hills area was previously called the Broderick falls area bounded by latitudes 0°30"N and 1°00"N and by longitudes 34°30"E and 35°00"E. The area of study is characterized by biotite gneisses, migmatites, granitic and granodioritic intrusives [9] that are highly rich in 238U, 232Th and 40K. Bungoma East sub County where the study area is located has a population of 114, 548 persons [11]. Bungoma County has an estimated size of 2207 km2 of which Chetambe Hills covers approximately 58 km2 [8]. (See Figure 1Figure 1)

Figure 1. Location of Chetambe hills area (Survey of Kenya, 1969).

Rock Sample Collectionand Preparation

According to [12], proper contamination analysis of a specific place depends on proper sample collection, preparation and good storage methods so that the results obtained are credible and reliable. A total of 20 rock samples were collected at different locations of the study area. The sampling points were recorded using a hand held Global Positioning System (GPS) model. The samples were collected and put in containers and labelled according to its location to avoid mix up. The samples were then dried in the oven for 24 hours at 110˚C and then ground to a fine powder, then sieved through a 2.00 mm sieve. 500 g of each of the rock samples were put in airtight containers and be kept for a minimum of 30 days to allow for secular equilibrium between 238U, 232Th and 222Rn and their progeny [13]. The NaI (Ti) detector was used in the analysis of the levels of natural radioactivity.

 3. Experimental Techniques 3.1. Efficiency Calibration of NaI (Ti) Detector

The efficiency calibration of the detector is a crucial process because it helps in ascertaining the quality and reliability of the results obtained. In this research calibration of the detector was done using the standard reference materials supplied by IAEA with known activity concentrations using Equation (1) [14].

ℰ = N A × P y × M × T

where ℰ is the efficiency of the detector, N is the net area under the photo peak, T, Py is the emission probability, m is the mass of the sample in Kg, T is the counting time and A is the activity concentration.

 3.2. Energy Calibration of NaI (Ti) Detector

The energy calibration of NaI (Ti) detector was done by relating the channel number with photo energy using the gamma line of 214Pb, 214Bi, 228Ac, 40K with energies 351 KeV, 609 KeV, 911 KeV, 1765 KeV and 1460 KeV using Equation (2) [15].

E = a × c h + b

where E is the energy, a and b are constants and ch is the channel number. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the soil and rock samples were determined using the counts 351 KeV (214Pb) and 609 KeV (214Bi), 911 KeV (228Ac) for 232Th and 1460 Kev for (40K).

Radiological Risk Measurements in Rock Samples usingNaI(TI) detector

 3.3. Activity Concentrations in the Rocks

The activity concentrations of the samples in Bq/Kg were determined using Equation (3) [13].

A i ( Bq ⋅ kg − 1 ) = N c i ε × ϒ i × m × t

where Ai is the activity concentrations of the ith radio nuclide in Bq·kg−1, ε is the efficiency of the detector at the energy of the ith radionuclide, Nci is the net counts of the ith radionuclide in the corresponding photo peak after background subtraction, ϒi is the emission probability of the ith radionuclide, m is the mass of the sample in kg and tis the counting time.

3.4. Absorbed Dose Rate ( <italic>D</italic> <italic> <sub>r</sub> </italic> )

The absorbed dose rate was determined using Equation (4) [10] by applying the conversion factors of 0.462, 0.604 and 0.0147 for 238U, 232Th and 40K respectively.

D r = 0.462 A u + 0.604 A T h + 0.0417 A k

where A u , A T h and A k are activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in Bq·kg−1 respectively.

 3.5. Annual Effective Dose Rate (AEDR)

In assessing both AEDR (in) and AEDR (out) to individuals, the occupancy factor was put into consideration [16]. According to [10] recommendations, the occupancy factors of 0.2 and 0.8 for outdoor and indoor occupancy factors were used. The values imply that a person on average spends 4.8 hours outdoors and 19.2 indoors. AEDR (in) and AEDR (out) were computed using Equations (5a) and (5b) respectively [17].

AEDR ( in ) = D r × 8760 × 0.8 × 0.7 × 10 − 6 AEDR ( out ) = D r × 8760 × 0.2 × 0.7 × 10 − 6

where AEDR (in) and AEDR (out) are Annual Effective Doses for indoor and outdoor environments respectively, Dr is the absorbed dose rate in air in nGy/h, 0.7 (Sv/Gy) is the conversion factor for absorbed dose rate in air to an effective dose, 0.8 is the indoor occupancy factor while 0.2 is the outdoor occupancy factor.

 3.6. Radium Equivalent ( <italic>Ra</italic> <italic> <sub>eq</sub> </italic> )

Radium equivalent refers to the weighted sum of 238U, 232Th and 40K. Radium equivalent was used to estimate the uniform activity and radiation exposure rates and was determined following Equation (6) [18].

R a e q = A u + 1.43 A T h + 0.077 A k

where A u , A T h and A k are activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in Bq·kg−1 respectively

While 1.43 and 0.077 are conversion factors.

 3.7. Internal and External Hazard Indices ( <italic>H</italic> <italic> <sub>in</sub> </italic> and <italic>H</italic> <italic> <sub>ex</sub> </italic> )

The internal hazard is due to inhalation of the radionuclides and their short lived progenies. The internal hazard index will be evaluated using Equation (7) [19].

H i n = A u 185 + A T h 259 + A k 4810

where A u , A T h and A k are activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in Bq·kg−1 respectively

The external exposure results from direct radiation. To account for the exposure in the samples Hex was determined using Equation (8) [19].

H e x = A u 370 + A T h 259 + A k 4810

where A u , A T h and A k are activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in Bq·kg−1 respectively.

The external hazard index should be less than unity for the radiation hazard to be negligible.

 3.8. Excess Life Time Cancer Risk (ELCR)

The excess life time cancer risk due to exposure to the radiation was determined using Equation (9a) and (9b) [20].

ELCR in = AEDR in × L f × R f ELCR out = AEDR out × L f × R f

where ELCR is the excess life time cancer risk, AEDR is the annual effective dose rate, Lf is the average life expectancy (70 years in Kenya), Rf is the associated risk factor which is 0.05 [21].

 4. Results and Discussions 4.1. Activity Concentrations of Rock Samples

The rock samples were labelled R1 to R20 with their corresponding coordinates for longitude and latitude including the activity taking place at the sampled point. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K of all the rock samples were calculated using Equation (1) and their results summarized as shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K of the samples in this work.

Sample Sample point activity Long (E) Lat (N) Activity concentration (Bq/kg)
238 U 232 Th 40 K
R 1 Maize growing 34 ° 48' 0 ° 33' 58 ± 2.92 62 ± 3.11 830 ± 4.19
R 2 Residence 34 ° 49' 0 ° 34' 76 ± 3.81 69 ± 3.48 1028 ± 1.42
R 3 Maize growing 34 ° 42' 0 ° 31' 109 ± 5.46 84 ± 4.24 2042 ± 3.43
R 4 Quarrying 34 ° 47' 0 ° 35' 119 ± 5.97 113 ± 5.65 1102 ± 5.13
R 5 Quarrying 34 ° 43' 0 ° 32' 116 ± 5.84 167 ± 8.39 1774 ± 4.73
R 6 Falls view H 34 ° 52' 0 ° 36' 63 ± 3.17 167 ± 8.39 883 ± 3.19
R 7 Road construction 34 ° 48' 0 ° 29' 38 ± 1.92 124 ± 6.22 1271 ± 3.55
R 8 Maize/bean growing 34 ° 45' 0 ° 38' 66 ± 3.31 60 ± 3.01 1410 ± 2.53
R 9 Car wash 34 ° 46' 0 ° 33' 58 ± 2.92 113 ± 5.65 1405 ± 2.28
R 10 Church (SA) 34 ° 42' 0 ° 37' 45 ± 2.28 18 ± 0.94 50 ± 2.52
R 11 Borehole drilled 34 ° 45' 0 ° 41' 66 ± 3.33 60 ± 3.01 1410 ± 70.53
R 12 Residence 34 ° 43' 0 ° 36' 33 ± 1.65 20 ± 1.03 161 ± 8.05
R 13 Residence 34 ° 44' 0 ° 34' 38 ± 1.92 15 ± 0.75 244 ± 12.21
R 14 Near spring 34 ° 25' 0 ° 37' 68 ± 3.42 41 ± 2.07 588 ± 29.41
R 15 Near spring 34 ° 32' 0 ° 36' 83 ± 4.19 16 ± 0.84 299 ± 14.95
R 16 Residence 34 ° 45' 0 ° 32' 104 ± 5.23 30 ± 1.57 94 ± 4.73
R 17 school 34 ° 46' 0 ° 35' 68 ± 3.42 147 ± 7.35 917 ± 45.86
R 18 Church (SDA) 34 ° 41' 0 ° 38' 43 ± 2.15 18 ± 0.94 66 ± 3.32
R 19 Brick making 34 ° 39' 0 ° 37' 76 ± 3.81 99 ± 4.99 1551 ± 77.59
R 20 Quarrying (Misikhu) 34 ° 35' 0 ° 27' 35 ± 1.77 22 ± 1.13 201 ± 10.05
AVER 68 ± 3.23 72 ± 3.48 866 ± 5.78
MAX 119 ± 5.97 167 ± 8.39 2042 ± 6.43
MIN 33 ± 1.65 15 ± 0.75 50 ± 2.5

The results from the study indicate a spatial distribution of the three radionuclides: 238U, 232Th and 40K activity in rock samples from one rock sample to the other with some samples having higher radiation levels than others. The activity concentrations for the three radionuclides were notably high at the quarries, maize growing points and brick making site. The activity concentrations of 238U varied from a minimum of 33 ± 1.65 Bq/Kg to a maximum of 119 ± 5.97 Bq/Kg with an average of 68 ± 3.23 Bq/Kg. The activity concentrations of 232Th varied from a minimum 15 ± 0.75 Bq/Kg to a maximum of 167 ± 8.39 Bq/Kg with an average of 72 ± 3.48 Bq/Kg while the activity concentrations of 40K varied from a minimum of 50 ± 2.5 Bq/Kg to a maximum of 2042 ± 6.43 Bq/Kg with an average of 866 ± 5.78 Bq/Kg. The averages for the three radionuclides all exceeded the world averages of 33 Bq/Kg, 45 Bq/Kg and 420 Bq/Kg for 238U, 232Th and 40K respectively [10]. but within the world reported range [2].

The high levels of activity concentrations of 238U can be attributed to geological formation of the study area characterized by granitic rocks that are highly rich in 238U. In addition, the high levels of 238U can also be because of the enrichment by phosphate fertilizers (DAP) used for growing of crops at the study area that contains 238U [22]. The elevated levels of 232Th could be due to the presence of granitic rocks at the study area. On the other hand, the higher activity concentrations of 40K could be attributed to the presence of granites and rhyolites that are rich in potassium bearing minerals or the potassium rich fertilizers used in replenishing the soils [23]. The results were also represented as shown in Figure 2Figure 2 which shows the concentrations of the radionuclides in the order 238U < 232Th < 40K.

Figure 2. Activity concentrations of the rock samples in this work.

For a comprehensive analysis, correlation graphs were also drawn as shown in Figure 3Figures 3(a)-(c).

(a)

(b)

(c)

Figure 3. (a) Correlation between 238U and 232Th; (b) Correlation between 238U and 40K; (c) Correlation between 238Th and 40K.

From Figure 3Figures 3(a)-(c), it is clear that there exists a weak relationship between the three radionuclides as seen from the R2 values.

The findings from this research are in agreement with those of [15] in Chiewo hills where the highest average values of the activity concentrations were 3017.8 Bq/kg for 40K.

4.2. <italic>D</italic> <italic> <sub>r</sub> </italic> , AEDR (in) and AEDR (out)

The Dr, AEDR (in) and AEDR (out) were determined using respective equations and finally the results tabulated in Table 2.

Table 2.Dr, AEDR (in) and AEDR (out) for all the rock samples collected and measured in this work.

Sample Sample point activity Long (E) Lat (N) D r (nGy/h) AEDR in (mSv/y) AEDR out (mSv/y)
R 1 Maize growing 34 ° 48' 0 ° 33' 99 ± 4.96 0.3 ± 0.01 0.2 ± 0.01
R 2 Residence 34 ° 49' 0 ° 34' 120 ± 6.32 0.4 ± 0.02 0.2 ± 0.01
R 3 Maize growing 34 ° 42' 0 ° 31' 187 ± 9.36 0.6 ± 0.03 0.4 ± 0.02
R 4 Quarrying 34 ° 47' 0 ° 35' 168 ± 8.43 0.6 ± 0.03 0.4 ± 0.02
R 5 Quarrying 34 ° 43' 0 ° 32' 230 ± 11.53 0.8 ± 0.04 0.5 ± 0.02
R 6 Falls view H 34 ° 52' 0 ° 36' 169 ± 8.47 0.6 ± 0.03 0.4 ± 0.02
R 7 Road construction 34 ° 48' 0 ° 29' 148 ± 7.41 0.5 ± 0.02 0.3 ± 0.01
R 8 Maize/bean growing 34 ° 45' 0 ° 38' 126 ± 6.32 0.4 ± 0.02 0.3 ± 0.01
R 9 Car wash 34 ° 46' 0 ° 33' 155 ± 7.78 0.5 ± 0.02 0.3 ± 0.01
R 10 Church (SA) 34 ° 42' 0 ° 37' 33 ± 1.67 0.1 ± 0 0 ± 0
R 11 Borehole drilled 34 ° 45' 0 ° 41' 126 ± 6.32 0.4 ± 0.02 0.3 ± 0.01
R 12 Residence 34 ° 43' 0 ° 36' 33 ± 1.69 0.1 ± 0 0.1 ± 0
R 13 Residence 34 ° 44' 0 ° 34' 36 ± 1.8 0.1 ± 0 0.1 ± 0
R 14 Near spring 34 ° 25' 0 ° 37' 80 ± 4.01 0.2 ± 0.01 0.1 ± 0
R 15 Near spring 34 ° 32' 0 ° 36' 59 ± 2.96 0.2 ± 0.01 0.1 ± 0
R 16 Residence 34 ° 45' 0 ° 32' 67 ± 3.36 0.2 ± 0.01 0.1 ± 0
R 17 school 34 ° 46' 0 ° 35' 160 ± 8.01 0.5 ± 0.02 0.3 ± 0.01
R 18 Church (SDA) 34 ° 41' 0 ° 38' 33 ± 1.65 0.1 ± 0 0.1 ± 0
R 19 Brick making 34 ° 39' 0 ° 37' 161 ± 8.07 0.5 ± 0.02 0.3 ± 0.01
R 20 Quarrying (Misikhu) 34 ° 35' 0 ° 27' 37 ± 1.89 0.1 ± 0 0.1 ± 0
AVER 111 ± 7.32 0.4 ± 0.02 0.2 ± 0.01
MAX 230 ± 11.53 0.8 ± 0.04 0.5 ± 0.02
MIN 33 ± 1.69 0.1 ± 0 0.2 ± 0.01

The Absorbed dose rate (Dr) ranged from a minimum of 33 ± 1.67 nGy/h to a maximum of 230 ± 11.53 nGy/h with an average of 111 ± 7.32 nGy/h which was above the 60 nGy/h [10]. The values are not uniformly distributed owing to the different activity concentrations of the three radionuclides. Since the absorbed dose rate is determined from the activity concentrations with conversion factors, then the sample with the highest activity concentration of the three radionuclides also had a higher absorbed dose rate i.e. R5. Despite their higher values, they were below the world safety limit of 1500 nGy/h [24]. The findings from this study are similar to those of [2] average experimental value of 114 ± 34 nGy/h.

The results on the activity concentrations and absorbed dose rates of this study were compared with those other areas and represented in Table 3.

Table 3. Comparison of activity concentrations and absorbed dose rates in rocks in this study with others.

Author/Year Country/place Activity concentrations (Bq/Kg) Absorbed dose rate (nGy/h)
238 U 232 Th 40 K
Present study Kenya (Chetambe hills) 68 ± 3.23 72 ± 3.48 866 ± 5.78 111 ± 7.32
Kebwaro et al. , 2011 Kenya (Mrima hills) 207 ± 11.3 500.7 ± 20.0 805.4 ± 20.0 440.7
Otuoma et al. , 2012 Kenya (Chiewo hills) 195.3 915.6 409.5 108 - 1596.4

From the comparison Table 3, it is clear that despite the regional difference, the activity concentrations and absorbed dose rates both from the current study and those other two regions were higher than their world averages except for 40K in Chiewo hills.

The AEDRin ranged from a minimum of 0.1 ± 0 mSv/y to a maximum of 0.8 ± 0.04 mSv/y with an average of 0.4 ± 0.02 mSv/y that was below the permissible limit of 1 mSv/y although above the 0.07 mSv/y [10]. On the other hand, AEDRout ranged from a minimum of 0.2 ± 0.01 mSv/y, a maximum of 0.5 ± 0.02 mSv/y with a mean of 0.2 ± 0.01 mSv/y that was below the permissible limit 1 mSv/y [25]. These findings disagree with those from the study done by [26] in which the AED was found to 0.985 mSv/y.

 4.3. Radium Equivalent ( <italic>Ra</italic> <italic> <sub>eq</sub> </italic> ), Internal ( <italic>H</italic> <italic> <sub>in</sub> </italic> ) and External ( <italic>H</italic> <italic> <sub>ex</sub> </italic> ) Hazard Indices

Radium Equivalent (Raeq), Internal hazard index (Hin) and external (Hex) hazard index (Hex) were determined for all the samples and their values represented in Table 4.

Table 4. Radium equivalent (Raeq), Internal (Hin) and External (Hex) hazard indices for all the rock samples collected and measured in this work.

Sample Sample point activity Long (E) Lat (N) Ra eq (Bq/Kg) H in (mSv/y) H ex (mSv/y)
R 1 Maize growing 34 ° 48' 0 ° 33' 210 ± 10.54 0.5 ± 0.02 0.7 ± 0.03
R 2 Residence 34 ° 49' 0 ° 34' 254 ± 12.73 0.6 ± 0.03 0.8 ± 0.04
R 3 Maize growing 34 ° 42' 0 ° 31' 387 ± 19.36 1 ± 0.05 1.3 ± 0.06
R 4 Quarrying 34 ° 47' 0 ° 35' 365 ± 18.25 0.9 ± 0.04 1.3 ± 0.06
R 5 Quarrying 34 ° 43' 0 ° 32' 492 ± 24.61 1.3 ± 0.06 1.6 ± 0.08
R 6 Falls view H 34 ° 52' 0 ° 36' 370 ± 18.52 1 ± 0.05 1.1 ± 0.05
R 7 Road construction 34 ° 48' 0 ° 29' 313 ± 15.65 0.8 ± 0.04 0.9 ± 0.04
R 8 Maize/bean growing 34 ° 45' 0 ° 38' 260 ± 13.02 0.7 ± 0.03 0.8 ± 0.04
R 9 Car wash 34 ° 46' 0 ° 33' 327 ± 16.38 0.8 ± 0.04 1 ± 0.05
R 10 Church (SA) 34 ° 42' 0 ° 37' 76 ± 3.82 0.2 ± 0.01 0.3 ± 0.01
R 11 Borehole drilled 34 ° 45' 0 ° 41' 260 ± 13.02 0.7 ± 0.03 0.8 ± 0.04
R 12 Residence 34 ° 43' 0 ° 36' 74 ± 3.74 0.2 ± 0.01 0.2 ± 0.01
R 13 Residence 34 ° 44' 0 ° 34' 78 ± 3.91 0.2 ± 0.01 0.3 ± 0.01
R 14 Near spring 34 ° 25' 0 ° 37' 172 ± 8.64 0.4 ± 0.02 0.6 ± 0.03
R 15 Near spring 34 ° 32' 0 ° 36' 131 ± 6.55 0.3 ± 0.01 0.5 ± 0.02
R 16 Residence 34 ° 45' 0 ° 32' 154 ± 7.71 0.4 ± 0.02 0.6 ± 0.03
R 17 school 34 ° 46' 0 ° 35' 348 ± 17.42 0.9 ± 0.04 1.1 ± 0.05
R 18 Church (SDA) 34 ° 41' 0 ° 38' 75 ± 3.75 0.2 ± 0.01 0.3 ± 0.01
R 19 Brick making 34 ° 39' 0 ° 37' 337 ± 16.89 0.9 ± 0.04 1.1 ± 0.05
R 20 Quarrying (Misikhu) 34 ° 35' 0 ° 27' 83 ± 4.16 0.2 ± 0.01 0.3 ± 0.01
AVER 238 ± 6.34 0.6 ± 0.02 0.8 ± 0.03
MAX 492 ± 24.61 1.3 ± 0.06 1.6 ± 0.08
MIN 74 ± 3.74 0.2 ± 0.01 0.3 ± 0.01

Samples R3 and R5 had the highest radium equivalent values 387 ± 19.36 Bq/kg and 492 ± 24.61 Bq/kg that were as a result of their high values of activity concentrations in the respective radionuclides. They were even higher than the world average of 370 Bq/kg. The radium equivalent for the study area varied from a minimum of 74 ± 3.74 Bq/kg to a maximum of 492 ± 24.61 Bq/kg. The mean value of radium equivalent from this study was 238 ± 6.34 Bq/kg which was below the world average value of 370 Bq/kg. The values of the internal hazard index varied from a minimum of 0.2 ± 0.01 mSv/y to a maximum of 1.3 ± 0.06 mSv/y with mean of 0.6 ± 0.02 mSv/y. The external hazard indices varied from a minimum of 0.3 ± 0.01 mSv/y to a maximum of 1.6 ± 0.08 mSv/y with an average of 0.8 ± 0.03 mSv/y. The external and internal hazard indices from the various samples were different because of the difference in the activity concentrations of the radionuclides in the respective samples. Despite some samples having their internal and external hazard indices higher; they were below the world average level of 1 mSv/y [10].

 4.4. ELCR <sub>in</sub> and ELCR <sub>out</sub>

ELCRin and ELCRout were determined using equations 9a and 9b respectively and their values represented in Table 5.

The ELCRout values were in the range of 0.2 ± 0.09 to 1.9 ± 0.08 with a mean value of 0.9 ± 0.06 that was below the acceptable limit of 2.9 × 10−4. The values for ELCRin ranged from 0.4 ± 0.03 to 2.9 ± 0.07 with a mean value of 1.4 ± 0.05 which was equally lower than the world average of 2.9 × 10−4.

Table 5. ELCRin and ELCRout for all the rock samples collected and determined in this study.

Sample Sample point activity Long (E) Lat (N) ELCR in 10 − 6 ELCR out 10 − 6
R 1 Maize growing 34 ° 48' 0 ° 33' 1.2 ± 0.08 0.8 ± 0.06
R 2 Residence 34 ° 49' 0 ° 34' 1.5 ± 0.06 1.0 ± 0.04
R 3 Maize growing 34 ° 42' 0 ° 31' 2.4 ± 0.03 1.6 ± 0.02
R 4 Quarrying 34 ° 47' 0 ° 35' 2.1 ± 0.08 1.4 ± 0.05
R 5 Quarrying 34 ° 43' 0 ° 32' 2.9 ± 0.07 1.9 ± 0.08
R 6 Falls view H 34 ° 52' 0 ° 36' 2.1 ± 0.09 1.4 ± 0.06
R 7 Road construction 34 ° 48' 0 ° 29' 1.9 ± 0.02 1.2 ± 0.08
R 8 Maize/bean growing 34 ° 45' 0 ° 38' 1.6 ± 0.03 1.0 ± 0.09
R 9 Car wash 34 ° 46' 0 ° 33' 2.0 ± 0.01 1.3 ± 0.04
R 10 Church (SA) 34 ° 42' 0 ° 37' 0.4 ± 0.02 0.2 ± 0.09
R 11 Borehole drilled 34 ° 45' 0 ° 41' 1.6 ± 0.05 1.0 ± 0.09
R 12 Residence 34 ° 43' 0 ° 36' 0.4 ± 0.02 0.2 ± 0.08
R 13 Residence 34 ° 44' 0 ° 34' 0.4 ± 0.03 0.3 ± 0.02
R 14 Near spring 34 ° 25' 0 ° 37' 1.0 ± 0.04 0.6 ± 0.03
R 15 Near spring 34 ° 32' 0 ° 36' 0.7 ± 0.05 0.5 ± 0.01
R 16 Residence 34 ° 45' 0 ° 32' 0.8 ± 0.06 0.5 ± 0.08
R 17 school 34 ° 46' 0 ° 35' 2.0 ± 0.06 1.3 ± 0.08
R 18 Church (SDA) 34 ° 41' 0 ° 38' 0.4 ± 0.03 0.2 ± 0.09
R 19 Brick making 34 ° 39' 0 ° 37' 2.0 ± 0.08 1.3 ± 0.09
R 20 Quarrying (Misikhu) 34 ° 35' 0 ° 27' 0.4 ± 0.09 0.3 ± 0.06
AVER 1.4 ± 0.05 0.9 ± 0.06
MAX 2.9 ± 0.07 1.9 ± 0.08
MIN 0.4 ± 0.03 0.2 ± 0.09

Figure 4. Graph of ELCRin and ELCRout of all the samples in this research.

The ELCRin and ELCRout values from this research were represented in Figure 4Figure 4.

From Figure 4Figure 4, it can be seen that ELCRin was higher than ELCRout for all the samples which can be attributed to the higher values of AEDRin than AEDRout

 5. Conclusions and Recommendations

A radiological assessment due to natural radioactivity in rocks and associated health impacts has been done in this research. The average activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K were all higher than the permissible values. However, the other radiological parameters were within the permissible limits as already discussed. Therefore, escalated cancer cases in the study area may not be a result of radiation exposure from natural radioactivity from the rocks since the radiation exposure from the rocks does not pose a health risk to the general public.

This study recommends further studies in soils so as to have comprehensive data on natural radioactivity and hence clarity of the possible cause of cancer in the study area.

 Acknowledgements

The authors thank the department of Science, Technology and Engineering for provision of facilities for this research.

 Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest

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