https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-026-07717-2
Regular Article
Radiological risk evaluation in mining areas: a case study of Keffi, North-Central Nigeria
1
Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Federal University, Gashuwa, Katsina State, Nigeria
2
Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
3
Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Nigerian Army University, P.O. Box 1500, Biu, Borno State, Nigeria
4
Centre for Vaccine Research and Biotechnology, Federal University Teaching Hospital Lafia, P.O. Box 007, Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
5
Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Yobe State University, Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria
6
Department of Physics, Faculty of Sciences, Isra University, Anman, Jordan
7
Department of Physics, Dogus University, Dudullu-Ümraniye, 34775, Istanbul, Türkiye
8
Nuclear Materials Authority, P.O. Box 530, El-Maadi, Cairo, Egypt
9
Department of Life Safety, Institute of Fundamental Education, Ural Federal University, 620002, Ekaterinburg, Russia
10
Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
11
Oncology Department, Medical Research and Care Centers, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq
a
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b
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c
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d
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Received:
22
August
2025
Accepted:
19
April
2026
Published online:
30
April
2026
Abstract
This study assessed the distribution and radiological hazards of radionuclides (238U, 232Th, and 40 K) in soil samples from Keffi, North-Central Nigeria. Using gamma-ray spectrometry, the mean activities were 27.5 ± 24.3 Bq kg− 1 (238U), 13.75 ± 8.4 Bq kg− 1 (232Th), and 1502.5 ± 1501.3 Bq kg− 1 (40 K). High variability, skewness, and kurtosis indicated geological heterogeneity. Sample S1 showed the highest radionuclide levels, correlating with intense gemstone mining. Radiological indices (Raeq, Hex, Hin, ADR, Iγ) revealed localized hazards, with S1 exceeding safety thresholds. Correlation and PCA analyses confirmed strong relationships among radionuclides and hazard parameters, explaining over 98% of total variance. Excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) and AGDE results highlighted localized exposure threats. Elevated 40K activities above global limits emphasize the impact of mining on background radiation and the need for continuous monitoring to mitigate radiological health risks in the Keffi region.
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© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Società Italiana di Fisica and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2026
Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.
