Environmental assessment of radionuclides within hydrocarbon producing communities in Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the presence of radionuclides in water and fish within oil and gas-producing areas of Ondo State, Nigeria. A carefully calibrated Nal (TI) detector was used to analyze 25 water and 25 fish samples from various sites within these communities. Radionuclide concentrations in the water ranged from 93.20 ± 0.41 to 1957.12 ± 5.86,Bq/l while in fish, it ranged from 37.30 ± 0.16 to 783.01 ± 2.34.Bq/kg The study also calculated the absorbed gamma radiation dose rate and excess lifetime cancer risk based on the detected radionuclides. While the radiological hazards exceeded recommended safety levels in water samples, fish samples remained within global permissible limits. The findings highlight potential health risks from radiological exposure in these regions, especially concerning water usage, which contradicts the goals of SDG 6 on ensuring safe access to water. The contamination due to oil spills continues to threaten both aquatic life and human health.