Spatial Distribution and Assessment of Background Ionizing Radiation in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

Background ionizing radiation (BIR) constitutes a major component of environmental radiation exposure and varies spatially due to geological, anthropogenic, and environmental factors. This study assessed the spatial distribution and levels of background ionizing radiation in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria. In situ radiation measurements were conducted across selected locations using a Geiger-Muller calibrated portable radiation dosimeter. The measured background ionizing radiation levels across Gwagwalada ranged from 0.11±0.02µSv/h to 0.42±0.05µSv/h, with a mean value of 0.17±0.09 µSv/h. The highest radiation level was observed at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (0.42 ± 0.58 µSv/h), followed by Phase II (0.21 ± 0.05 µSv/h) and Phase I (0.20 ± 0.04 µSv/h). Moderate levels were recorded at Angwadodo (0.15 ± 0.05 µSv/h), the University of Abuja Main Campus (0.15 ± 0.03 µSv/h), Phase III (0.13 ± 0.02 µSv/h), and Old Kutunku (0.12 ± 0.01 µSv/h), while the lowest values were observed at Paiko (0.11 ± 0.02 µSv/h) and the University of Abuja Mini Campus (0.11 ± 0.03 µSv/h). These results indicate a relatively moderate but variable distribution of background radiation across the study locations. Higher radiation levels were observed in areas with increased human activities. The findings indicate that background ionizing radiation levels in Gwagwalada are generally within safe limits; however, continuous monitoring is recommended to detect future changes due to urbanization and infrastructural development.