Spatial Distribution of Natural Radionuclides and Statistical Analysis of Radiological Hazards in Relation to Soil Classification in Katsina State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjorae.2026.0301.74Keywords:
Radioactivity, Soil type, Soil pH, ANOVAAbstract
This study assessed the influence of soil type on the distribution of naturally occurring radionuclides and the associated radiological hazards in southern Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 25 soil samples were collected from six dominant soil types - Acrisols, Arenosols, Cambisols, Lixisols, Luvisols, and Leptosols - and analyzed using gamma-ray spectrometry for activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K. Radiological hazard parameters including absorbed dose rate (DR), annual effective dose (AED), and hazard indices were evaluated. The mean activity concentrations were 31.46 ± 3.53 Bq/kg for 226Ra, 91.38 ± 5.08 Bq/kg for 232Th, and 312.93 ± 7.10 Bq/kg for 40K. While 40K and 226Ra levels were below global averages, 232Th exceeded the recommended limit. The absorbed dose rate ranged from 46.12 to 107.58 nGy/h, and AED values ranged from 56.54 to 132 µSv/y, all below the global threshold of 480 µSv/y. Hazard indices remained under unity, indicating negligible radiological risk. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA revealed significant variation (p = 0.03843) in AED among the soil types, with Leptosols showing the highest mean dose rate (224.5 µSv/y), suggesting a greater radiological contribution. An R² value of 0.4379 indicated a moderate correlation between soil type and AED variability. Additionally, soil pH ranged from 6.15 to 6.51, indicating generally acidic conditions. A moderate negative correlation was found between pH and the activity concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th, while 40K showed a strong positive correlation with pH. The findings contribute critical baseline data for environmental radiation monitoring and suggest that soil type significantly influences dose rate distribution. These insights are vital for land-use planning, environmental safety, and public health risk assessment in Katsina State.
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