Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria

Nwobodo Anthonia Ndidi; Uduma Ifeanyi Awa; Nnamani John Friday; Abangwu Uchenna Johnson

doi:doi:10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12

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Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria

Nwobodo Anthonia Ndidi

, Uduma Ifeanyi Awa

, Nnamani John Friday

, Abangwu Uchenna Johnson^*

Published in Radiation Science and Technology (Volume 11, Issue 2)

Received: 10 November 2025 Accepted: 21 November 2025 Published: 17 December 2025

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Abstract

This study investigates the distribution of natural radioelements and the associated radiation exposure levels in the Dapchi and Biriri areas of the Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria, using high-resolution aeroradiometric data obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The radiometric dataset was processed and interpreted using Oasis Montaj 8.4 and Surfer 14 to evaluate the concentrations of uranium (U), thorium (Th), and potassium (K), alongside their corresponding dose rates. The results reveal that uranium concentrations range from 1.56 to 2.90 ppm, thorium from 7.8 to 11.9 ppm, and potassium from 0.50 to 0.83%. Spatial analysis shows that the southwestern part of Dapchi exhibits the highest radioelement concentrations, a pattern attributed to the dominance of granitic and metamorphic formations enriched in radiogenic minerals. The computed dose rates vary between 0.402 and 0.472 mSv/year, with an average value of 0.439 mSv/year. Areas with elevated dose rates coincide with regions of high U, Th, and K concentrations, while lower values occur mainly in Biriri, corresponding to sedimentary lithologies such as sandstone and shale. Despite observable spatial variations, all recorded dose rate values remain below the globally recommended natural background radiation limit of 1.0 mSv/year. This indicates that the natural radiological environment within the study area presents minimal health risk to the local population and provides important baseline data for environmental monitoring and geoscientific studies.

Published in	Radiation Science and Technology (Volume 11, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12
Page(s)	33-42
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Dose Rate, Radioelements, Radiation, Upper Benue Trough

References

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[2]	Carter, J. D., Barber, W., Tait, E. A. and Jones, G. P. (1963). The geology of parts of Adamawa, Bauchi and Borno Provinces in Northeastern Nigeria. Geol Surv Niger Bull 30: 108.
[3]	Dickson, B. L. and Scott, K. M. (1997). Interpretation of aerial gamma ray surveys-adding the geochemical factors. AGSO Journal of Australian Geology and Geophysics, 17(2): 187-200.
[4]	International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (2003): Guidelines for radioelement mapping using gamma ray spectrometry. Vienna: International Atomic Energy Agency, 173 p.
[5]	Mohanty, A. K., Sengupta, D., Das, S. K., Vijayan, V., & Saha, S. K. (2004). Natural radioactivity in the newly discovered high background radiation area on the eastern coast of Orissa, India. Radiation measurements, 38(2), 153-165. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radmeas.2003.08.003
[6]	Okeyode I. C., Olurin O. T., Ganiyu S. A. and Olowofela J. A (2019). High resolution airborne radiometric and magnetic studies of ilesha and its environs, southwestern Nigeria. RMZ - M&G \| 2019 \| Vol. 66 \| pp. 051-07. https://doi.org/10.2478/rmzmag-2018-0020
[7]	Tzortzis, M., Tsertos, H., Christofides, S and Christodoulides, G. (2003). Gamma-ray measurements of naturally occurring radioactive samples from Cyprus characteristic geological rocks. Radiation Measurements, 37(3), 221-229. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1350-4487(03)00028-3
[8]	UNSCEAR (2000). United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation Sources, Effects and Risks of Ionizing Radiation. Report to the general assembly, annexes B: Exposure from Natural Radiation Sources. New York, 678-679.
[9]	Ani, E. P., Ugwu, G. Z. & Nwobodo, A. N. (2023). Geophysical Interpretation of Airborne Radiometric Data over Part of Middle Benue Trough of Nigeria for Mineral Deposits. Int. Jour. Res. Engineering Sci. 11(2): 335-343.
[10]	Ngwaka, I. F., Ugwu, G. Z. & Onyishi, G. E. (2023). Interpretation of Aeromagnetic Data of Part of Lower Benue Trough of Nigeria for Mineral Deposits. Europ. Jour. Environ. Earth Sci., 4(3): 9-13. https://doi.or/10.24018/ejgeo.2023.4.3.394
[11]	Nwokeabia, C. N., Opara, A. I., Ibe, K. K., Odoh, B. I., and Omenikolo, I. A. (2023). Correlation of Radiation Doses from Radiometric data and Aeromagnetic Signatures over Parts of Southeastern Nigeria. J. Mater. Environ., Sci., 14 (4): 475-490.
[12]	Nwokeabia, C. N., Opara, A. I., Omenikolo, I. A., Eluwa, N. N., Agoha, C. C. (2024). Statistical Analysis of Radioelements Distribution Over Parts of Southeastern Nigeria Using Correlation Method. Earth Sciences Malaysia, 8(2): 151-157. https://doi.org/10.26480/esmy.02.2024.151.157
[13]	Oladele, B. B., Ugbede, F. O., & Arogunjo, A. M. (2022). Study of activity concentrations of 40K, 238U and 232Th for assessment of radiation dose in agricultural soils of southwestern Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Health Research, 33(12): 1640–1651. https://doi.org/10.1080/09603123.2022.2114593
[14]	Ofomola, O. M., Ugbede, F. O., & Anomohanran, O. (2023). Environmental risk assessment of background radiation, natural radioactivity and toxic elements in rocks and soils of Nkalagu quarry, Southeastern Nigeria. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, 10, 100288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hazadv.2023.100288
[15]	Ugbede, F. O., Akpolile, A. F., Ibeh, G. F., & Mokobia, C. E. (2022). In-situ assessment of background gamma radiation dose levels in outdoor environment of Enugu urban areas, Enugu state, Nigeria. Environmental Forensics, 23(3-4): 334-345. https://doi.org/10.1080/15275922.2020.1850562

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APA Style

Ndidi, N. A., Awa, U. I., Friday, N. J., Johnson, A. U. (2025). Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria. Radiation Science and Technology, 11(2), 33-42. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12

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ACS Style

Ndidi, N. A.; Awa, U. I.; Friday, N. J.; Johnson, A. U. Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria. Radiat. Sci. Technol. 2025, 11(2), 33-42. doi: 10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12

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AMA Style

Ndidi NA, Awa UI, Friday NJ, Johnson AU. Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria. Radiat Sci Technol. 2025;11(2):33-42. doi: 10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12

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@article{10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12,
  author = {Nwobodo Anthonia Ndidi and Uduma Ifeanyi Awa and Nnamani John Friday and Abangwu Uchenna Johnson},
  title = {Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria},
  journal = {Radiation Science and Technology},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {33-42},
  doi = {10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.rst.20251102.12},
  abstract = {This study investigates the distribution of natural radioelements and the associated radiation exposure levels in the Dapchi and Biriri areas of the Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria, using high-resolution aeroradiometric data obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The radiometric dataset was processed and interpreted using Oasis Montaj 8.4 and Surfer 14 to evaluate the concentrations of uranium (U), thorium (Th), and potassium (K), alongside their corresponding dose rates. The results reveal that uranium concentrations range from 1.56 to 2.90 ppm, thorium from 7.8 to 11.9 ppm, and potassium from 0.50 to 0.83%. Spatial analysis shows that the southwestern part of Dapchi exhibits the highest radioelement concentrations, a pattern attributed to the dominance of granitic and metamorphic formations enriched in radiogenic minerals. The computed dose rates vary between 0.402 and 0.472 mSv/year, with an average value of 0.439 mSv/year. Areas with elevated dose rates coincide with regions of high U, Th, and K concentrations, while lower values occur mainly in Biriri, corresponding to sedimentary lithologies such as sandstone and shale. Despite observable spatial variations, all recorded dose rate values remain below the globally recommended natural background radiation limit of 1.0 mSv/year. This indicates that the natural radiological environment within the study area presents minimal health risk to the local population and provides important baseline data for environmental monitoring and geoscientific studies.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria
AU  - Nwobodo Anthonia Ndidi
AU  - Uduma Ifeanyi Awa
AU  - Nnamani John Friday
AU  - Abangwu Uchenna Johnson
Y1  - 2025/12/17
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12
T2  - Radiation Science and Technology
JF  - Radiation Science and Technology
JO  - Radiation Science and Technology
SP  - 33
EP  - 42
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5943
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12
AB  - This study investigates the distribution of natural radioelements and the associated radiation exposure levels in the Dapchi and Biriri areas of the Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria, using high-resolution aeroradiometric data obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The radiometric dataset was processed and interpreted using Oasis Montaj 8.4 and Surfer 14 to evaluate the concentrations of uranium (U), thorium (Th), and potassium (K), alongside their corresponding dose rates. The results reveal that uranium concentrations range from 1.56 to 2.90 ppm, thorium from 7.8 to 11.9 ppm, and potassium from 0.50 to 0.83%. Spatial analysis shows that the southwestern part of Dapchi exhibits the highest radioelement concentrations, a pattern attributed to the dominance of granitic and metamorphic formations enriched in radiogenic minerals. The computed dose rates vary between 0.402 and 0.472 mSv/year, with an average value of 0.439 mSv/year. Areas with elevated dose rates coincide with regions of high U, Th, and K concentrations, while lower values occur mainly in Biriri, corresponding to sedimentary lithologies such as sandstone and shale. Despite observable spatial variations, all recorded dose rate values remain below the globally recommended natural background radiation limit of 1.0 mSv/year. This indicates that the natural radiological environment within the study area presents minimal health risk to the local population and provides important baseline data for environmental monitoring and geoscientific studies.
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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Author Information

Nwobodo Anthonia Ndidi

Department of Industrial Physics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0000-1302-291X
Uduma Ifeanyi Awa

Department of Industrial Physics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7248-1809
Nnamani John Friday

Department of Industrial Physics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Agbani, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0007-6918-8098
Abangwu Uchenna Johnson

Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6900-2990

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APA Style

Ndidi, N. A., Awa, U. I., Friday, N. J., Johnson, A. U. (2025). Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria. Radiation Science and Technology, 11(2), 33-42. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12

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ACS Style

Ndidi, N. A.; Awa, U. I.; Friday, N. J.; Johnson, A. U. Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria. Radiat. Sci. Technol. 2025, 11(2), 33-42. doi: 10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12

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AMA Style

Ndidi NA, Awa UI, Friday NJ, Johnson AU. Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria. Radiat Sci Technol. 2025;11(2):33-42. doi: 10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12

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@article{10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12,
  author = {Nwobodo Anthonia Ndidi and Uduma Ifeanyi Awa and Nnamani John Friday and Abangwu Uchenna Johnson},
  title = {Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria},
  journal = {Radiation Science and Technology},
  volume = {11},
  number = {2},
  pages = {33-42},
  doi = {10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.rst.20251102.12},
  abstract = {This study investigates the distribution of natural radioelements and the associated radiation exposure levels in the Dapchi and Biriri areas of the Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria, using high-resolution aeroradiometric data obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The radiometric dataset was processed and interpreted using Oasis Montaj 8.4 and Surfer 14 to evaluate the concentrations of uranium (U), thorium (Th), and potassium (K), alongside their corresponding dose rates. The results reveal that uranium concentrations range from 1.56 to 2.90 ppm, thorium from 7.8 to 11.9 ppm, and potassium from 0.50 to 0.83%. Spatial analysis shows that the southwestern part of Dapchi exhibits the highest radioelement concentrations, a pattern attributed to the dominance of granitic and metamorphic formations enriched in radiogenic minerals. The computed dose rates vary between 0.402 and 0.472 mSv/year, with an average value of 0.439 mSv/year. Areas with elevated dose rates coincide with regions of high U, Th, and K concentrations, while lower values occur mainly in Biriri, corresponding to sedimentary lithologies such as sandstone and shale. Despite observable spatial variations, all recorded dose rate values remain below the globally recommended natural background radiation limit of 1.0 mSv/year. This indicates that the natural radiological environment within the study area presents minimal health risk to the local population and provides important baseline data for environmental monitoring and geoscientific studies.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Natural Radioelement Concentrations and Dose Rate Assessment Using High-Resolution Aeroradiometric Data of Dapchi and Biriri Areas, Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria
AU  - Nwobodo Anthonia Ndidi
AU  - Uduma Ifeanyi Awa
AU  - Nnamani John Friday
AU  - Abangwu Uchenna Johnson
Y1  - 2025/12/17
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12
DO  - 10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12
T2  - Radiation Science and Technology
JF  - Radiation Science and Technology
JO  - Radiation Science and Technology
SP  - 33
EP  - 42
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-5943
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.rst.20251102.12
AB  - This study investigates the distribution of natural radioelements and the associated radiation exposure levels in the Dapchi and Biriri areas of the Upper Benue Trough, Nigeria, using high-resolution aeroradiometric data obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The radiometric dataset was processed and interpreted using Oasis Montaj 8.4 and Surfer 14 to evaluate the concentrations of uranium (U), thorium (Th), and potassium (K), alongside their corresponding dose rates. The results reveal that uranium concentrations range from 1.56 to 2.90 ppm, thorium from 7.8 to 11.9 ppm, and potassium from 0.50 to 0.83%. Spatial analysis shows that the southwestern part of Dapchi exhibits the highest radioelement concentrations, a pattern attributed to the dominance of granitic and metamorphic formations enriched in radiogenic minerals. The computed dose rates vary between 0.402 and 0.472 mSv/year, with an average value of 0.439 mSv/year. Areas with elevated dose rates coincide with regions of high U, Th, and K concentrations, while lower values occur mainly in Biriri, corresponding to sedimentary lithologies such as sandstone and shale. Despite observable spatial variations, all recorded dose rate values remain below the globally recommended natural background radiation limit of 1.0 mSv/year. This indicates that the natural radiological environment within the study area presents minimal health risk to the local population and provides important baseline data for environmental monitoring and geoscientific studies.
VL  - 11
IS  - 2
ER  -

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