Radionuclides Contamination in Soil: Effects, Sources and Spatial Distribution

Abstract

Radionuclide concentrations in the soil depend on the geological and anthropogenic activities of an area. They influence level of gamma radiation in the environment, which can cause significant health risk in humans. Due to the non-uniform distribution of radionuclides in the soil, various measurement methods have been adopted to monitor our environment. The challenges involved in collecting environmental samples, duration, technicality and cost of measurement have led to various models for predicting unmeasured locations. This article presents geostatistical method using kriging techniques, which adopt the theory of regionalized variables, to characterize the spatial distribution of radionuclide in un-sampled locations using data obtained from sampled locations. Among other things, this paper presents results of application of this method to a study area. Spatial distribution of radionuclides reveal the non-uniform distribution in the study area. Though the radionuclides level in the study area are below global average set by United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), the spatial distribution map can be used to provide adequate information needed by regulatory authorities in identifying the contaminated area in need of remediation.

Keywords

• radionuclides
• kriging interpolation and spatial mapping