Determination Of Natural Radionuclide Concentration in Soil Samples Within Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau, Zamfara State

The Earth's environment naturally contains radioactive elements, including long-lived isotopes such as 40K, 232Th, and 238U. Excessive exposure to these elements can pose health risks to humans, animals, and plants. This research aimed to identify and quantify these radionuclides in soil samples collected from various locations within the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau, Zamfara State. Specifically, we focused on the School Academic Area (SAA), School Administrative Area (SADA), School Farm Area (SFMA), Students Hostel Area (SSHA), and Staff Quarters Area (SSQA). The detected radionuclide levels were compared to global acceptable limits established by the IAEA and UNSCEAR. Using a Na (Tl) detector, we examined the activity content of these elements in the soil samples. The mean average specific activities for 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th were determined to be (390.0861 ± 6.0420) Bq/kg, (22.6847 ± 2.337) Bq/kg, and (30.2855 ± 3.4990) Bq/kg, respectively. Comparison of these values with worldwide averages (40K=412 Bq/kg, 226Ra=35 Bq/kg, and 232Th=45 Bq/kg) established by the IAEA, UNSCEAR, and ICRP, as well as other global studies, indicates that both students and staff at the Federal College of Education Technical Gusau, Zamfara State, are safe from radiation hazards and can continue their studies and work without concern.